A SITE that previously housed council offices is being put to good use by being turned into a block of affordable flats.

The project will see 45 one-bedroom apartments built on the site in Gainsford Road in Walthamstow.

The apartments will be prioritised for first time buyers who live or work in the borough and will be offered at a price point of 20 per cent less than the market average.

Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, Portfolio Lead Member- Housing, said: “I’m very pleased that we have reached an agreement with Pocket around the sale of 47 Gainsford Road which will help to provide more affordable homes in the borough and help more first-time buyers to take their first steps on the property ladder.

“Supporting affordable housing for everyone’s needs is one of our top priorities, and as part of this we have reviewed our own building stock to identify which sites could potentially be developed to provide much-needed new homes.”

Architect Gort Scott who transformed the Central Parade in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, into a community hub last year is working on the project between Waltham Forest Council and Pocket.

Pocket CEO Marc Vlessing said: “We are delighted to launch our first development in Waltham Forest. It’s a borough that is incredibly popular with first time buyers and one where there is a very high demand for affordable home ownership options like Pocket.”