Situated along the pleasant Walthamstow and Maynard Reservoirs to the west and Forest Road to the south, this area is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its great transport connections, with Blackhorse Road and nearby Walthamstow Central on the Victoria line and Overground. A diverse place in terms of ethnicity as well as income, the architectural style varies from postwar high-rise estates to Victorian terraced streets. There is a surprising amount of open space between the reservoirs and Lee Valley Park. With the recent regeneration of key areas, the area has become one of the hottest new property spots in outer London. Originally, this area was like much of outer London – rural space utilised as market gardens to supply food to the city.

Whilst the Victorian era brought industry and commerce to the area, it also brought poverty. Many parts of Higham Hill where Londoners worked were densely populated, causing serious overcrowding by the end of the 19th century. Unfortunately, these slums remained until the interwar period, when they were demolished and rebuilt. The estates that are currently being renovated were in fact built in the 1960s and 70s.

Clement Attlee was the MP for Walthamstow when he served as Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951, under a Labour government. He swept into power with an unprecedented 12% swing (still the largest ever in British electoral history). He was responsible for creating the National Health Service and nationalising Britain’s major industries and public services, as well as overseeing the decolonisation of India, Pakistan, and many other countries following the Second World War. Depending on who you ask, he is sometimes portrayed as the most successful British Prime Minister of all time.

Part of the area’s more unknown history includes the fact that the iconic boy band East 17 took inspiration from the local postcode, where they grew up. They were popular in the 1990s due to their ‘bad boy’ image and Christmas bangers including Stay Another Day.

Unfortunately, this area suffers from relatively high levels of crime, particularly due to local gangs. Additionally, it does have higher levels of unemployment that dampen economic growth in the area.

Looking forward, Walthamstow Mall is set for redevelopment, in a scheme which will also involve the renovation of the town square and the creation of 350 new permanent retail jobs. On the other side of Higham Hill some residents are concerned about the redevelopment of Uplands Business Park on Blackhorse Lane. The site was recently acquired for £51 million by Blackrock - the world’s largest investment manager - whose proposed scheme will include 1,800 new homes in a number of towers which will stand up to 38 stories tall. Similarly, a new development on the site of the old Wood Street Library could see 67 new homes created in an 11-storey building but work is yet to begin. 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.