A multi-million pound development in part of a museum has opened to new residents for the first time.

The affordable housing scheme in a part of the Pumphouse Transport Museum on South Access Road opened for the first families on Thursday (November 5).

Twenty-one flats at William Marshall Close have been developed at the site which was previously used for the storage of old vehicles.

All of the homes are under shared ownership or affordable renting schemes.

Diana Mensah, 49, and her two children were previously living in a one bedroom flat before moving into a two bedroom home at the new £4m development.

She said: “It is early days but definitely it feels like we could have a nice little community going. It’s a lovely development and having the extra space is obviously really important to us.

“The location is also good, as it’s a nice quiet part of Walthamstow and we are close to a park, which is going to be great for my two children.”

Mario Cika and his family recently moved into a new two bedroom home at William Marshall Close, prior to living in temporary accommodation in Leytonstone.

He said: “The temporary accommodation was cramped and unclean. This is the complete opposite. It couldn’t be better – we think it’s a great development and we are very happy here.”

Karen Ayling from the developer Circle Housing Circle 33 said: “This scheme delivers excellent quality and much needed affordable housing to Walthamstow. It has been uplifting to hear first-hand from residents about the difference the homes will make to their lives.

“We are very proud that over the past few years we have built almost 500 new homes in Waltham Forest – with around 350 being affordable. We are keen to work in partnership with local authority to deliver more great developments like this one.”

Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, cabinet member for housing at Waltham Forest council said: “It was great to visit this impressive new development and meet some of the new residents.

“We’re working really hard with Housing Associations like Circle to see new homes built in the borough and to ensure there are good affordable quotas to meet the needs of all residents.”

The homes were built using a modern brick and steel construction to complement the existing museum, while every home has access to either a private balcony or garden.