Redbridge will have a new theatre, cinema and leisure complex.

The Redbridge Labour administration plans to make Ilford “a cultural capital” with improved services and access around the town.

The soon-to-open Elizabeth Line will link Ilford to Reading, Central London, and Heathrow via a direct 50-minute direct train.

To provide for the inevitable population growth that will come from these improved connections, the authority has announced plans to extend leisure facilities in the area.

Earlier this year Cllr Jas Athwal, council leader, released the council’s vision for a cultural precinct in Ilford town centre.

The plans feature a new theatre, expanding the current Kenneth Moore Theatre, a cinema, art spaces in the town hall, including studio space and affordable workspace for creative industries, and a covered market.

A public leisure complex complete with swimming pool is also planned for the town.

Around 6,000 new homes will also be built in Ilford town centre over the next ten years and the council are aiming to ensure Ilford isn’t just the ‘hotel town’ but the attraction.

Cllr Athwal said: “We are future-proofing Ilford Town. Work has already started on re-jigging the tedious gyratory system and planting more trees by the A406 so new infrastructure and services can be easily accessed.

“After missing out on the London Borough of Culture bid earlier this year, I knew this is something we had to fix to compete with neighbouring boroughs who are ahead of the cultural offering.”

Plans also include adding a third entrance to Ilford train station to cope with greater numbers of commuters and ease congestion.