Connecting and improving the St James Quarter

In January 2023, the government announced that a £17.2m bid submitted by the Council to improve Walthamstow was successful. The funds will be used for projects that unlock Walthamstow’s potential as an inclusive, safe, and welcoming cultural destination.  

Part of the government funding will be used to upgrade public spaces in High Street, Hoe Street, and St James Street. Residents will see an increase in walking space, new signage, street lighting, public art, additional greenery and street furniture. 

The St James Quarter Levelling Up Programme will consist of two delivery phases, which will improve public spaces in the St James Quarter, making them better connected and enhancing its cultural and heritage assets. Scroll down to find out more or visit the Let's Talk Walthamstow website.

This new public artwork by Albert Clegg from Bud Studio’s sits between the pedestrian corridor which links Brunner Road and Courtenay Place. The mural is inspired by Walthamstow High Street, the market and the people who live in the area. It is opposite the new Jazz Yard development and is the beginning of a programme of works to create safer and more welcoming gateways to the town centre.

The main works will be focused in the Courtenay Place area where we are assessing the feasibility of refurbishing the railway arches. Opening the arches would attract more business to the area and create a new unique destination in Walthamstow town centre. New public space will also be delivered here to improve the character of the area and connections through to the High Street, St James Underpass and St James Overground Station. 

Delivery for this project is planned to start in 2024. Where it is not feasible to open the arches, they will be improved with lighting and artwork to enhance the appearance of the area.

Courtenay Place will be reimagined to create a new public space and route through the site. The proposal will include additional greenery, widening of pavements and better signage to make the area more pedestrian friendly and improve the setting of the Bus Depot.

We also aim to improve safety in the area including a review of lighting and use of the space in the evening. 

The works will include developing a green link between St James Quarter and Walthamstow High Street including a new pocket square between Courtenay Place and the High Street. Opportunities for new public art will be reviewed to encourage more footfall to the St James Quarter.