Wood Street is often referred to by locals as Upper Walthamstow. Located in the North East corner of greater London, this neighbourhood is likely going to be one of the hippest areas in the near future. Highly multicultural, with a strong industry that attracts artists and creative types, its architecture has an industrial vibe and is a mixture of postwar high-rise buildings and comfy terraced housing. You can find locals at the Wood Street Indoor Market, which was refurbished in 2012 and now is a great spot for locally made crafts and produce.

Wood Street’s history shares a history with many other places on the outskirts of East London. Communities have lived in the area since the 7th century when the area was predominantly rural. It was noted for its farms, and dairy production, as well as part of the market gardens for the metropolis. The industrial revolution brought speculative housing projects to the area, resulting in the growth of a working class hub for those employed in the East End. While this was a period of neglect Walthamstow has undergone successful regeneration in recent years. In fact, in 2016, its high street was shortlisted by the Academy of Urbanism for a ‘Great Street’ Award.

Wood Street was originally home to a well-known film production studio. British & Colonial Kinematograph Co. was set up on Hoe Street in 1913 and produced movies such as When London Sleeps (1914) and The Battle of Somme (1916). Sadly, it closed down in the 1930s due to competition from Hollywood.

While the area is quickly changing, Wood Street was neglected for the majority of the post-war period to the millennia. This is still visible in the quality of the housing, which is predominately council-owed. Additionally, the greater area of Waltham Forest has had the biggest house price growth of any London Borough in the past five years.

Recently the area has seen some exciting changes. New developments include The Scene, a complex with a cinema, restaurants and new homes, the Solum II Station development, with a hotel and homes, as well as the phased refurbishment of the former EMD Granada Cinema. Looking forward Walthamstow Mall is set for redevelopment, in a scheme which will also involve the renovation of the town square and 350 new permanent retail jobs. Nearby St Mary’s Church is also set for redevelopment. Sitting within the Walthamstow Village conservation area, this sympathetic new scheme seeks to create a thriving community hub that includes cafes, an art centre and an education space, as well as a working church. Another key development is Feature17 which will regenerate Marlowe Road Estate. Through this project, 338 homes will be demolished and replaced by 436 new homes - 150 of which will be socially rented. The £70 million scheme is meant to be completed in full by 2024.