A rundown 1970s estate has been redeveloped into 43-home housing development.

Hammond Court, off Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow, has been turned into a series of affordable family housing and maisonettes by housing management body East Thames.

The organisation marked the opening of the £3.5 million project – funded partly by the Mayor of London -  by launching a food project for the development’s new residents this week, where they can grow their own fruit and vegetables in the new courtyard.

Maureen Worby, head of social and economic regeneration at East Thames said: “The food growing initiative at Hammond Court will be a great way for residents to get outdoors, meet their neighbours and even save cash by growing their own delicious organic fruit and vegetables. We hope today’s launch will be an inspiration for people that live here to grow their food.”

The 43 homes consist of 16 shared-ownership properties and 27 available for rent for social housing tenants.

Cllr Marie Pye, cabinet member for housing added: "Waltham Forest has a critical need for more affordable housing and the regeneration of Hammond Court has brought a misused site back to life. We are pleased that residents here now have an exciting and vibrant place to live."