A new centre, providing space for independent creative businesses, has launched in Walthamstow.

Central Parade, in Hoe Street, opened this week, with room for up to 50 businesses to showcase their work.

The new hub also has a café and bakery on site, along with flexible event and exhibition space which available for use by the wider community.

Justine Simons, London’s deputy mayor for culture, said: “Projects such as Central Parade are essential to safeguarding London’s creative community, both in Walthamstow and across the city more broadly.

“These important initiatives are critical to retaining a diversity of affordable and inclusive workspaces and complementary uses which are vital to the creative industries, traders and local community.

“We wish the very best of luck to Central Parade and to the 50 plus new businesses and traders who will be supported through this initiative.”

The building, which was previously used as a customer service centre by Waltham Forest council, has now become an indoor mall with retail units, studios and desk spaces available for rent.

Businesses that have already taken up space in the hub include music producers, photographers, a masseuse, and a bridal gown designer.

The scheme was realised after it was awarded funding by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

It will be home to an ‘indoor mall’ of 50 independent creative businesses, with a range of different spaces available to rent, including retail units, studio areas and desk spaces.

Cllr Clare Coghill, Waltham Forest council cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Waltham Forest is London’s fastest growing hotspot for culture and creativity, so it is ideal for us to be able to use this building to provide more space for local creative businesses to grow and thrive. 

"This project goes hand in hand with our other ambitions for the regeneration of Walthamstow Town Centre, which include the new Creative Industries Zone in Blackhorse Lane, the redevelopment of St James Street and the Blackhorse Lane Housing Zone.”