A vacant restaurant has been given a new lease of life after artists painted a mural on its windows to celebrate the first London Borough of Culture.

Artist Mark Clack of Wood Street Walls commissioned the installation to raise the profile of Waltham Forest’s Cultural Stars, a group of individuals and businesses nominated for their contribution to the local arts and culture scene.

Designed and created by Hatch Art, the mural is on display at the former site of the Grillstock restaurant in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, which is on the market.

Among the stars are youth leaders, teachers, artists, volunteers, dancers and musicians, from all walks of life and from all corners of the borough, who made a difference to the lives of people living and working in Waltham Forest, as well as visitors.

The mural has been unveiled in the lead up to Waltham Forest becoming the first ever London Borough of Culture in 2019.

Cultural Star Mark Bagnall, director of RAW Performing Arts Academy in Walthamstow, said: “Winning London Borough of Culture is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Waltham Forest to showcase a great secret about our community.

“We have a rich pedigree of arts and culture already here to cement and announce to all of London and further afield”.

Council leader Clare Coghill said: “Waltham Forest has an incredible heritage and a fantastic cultural programme on the horizon for 2019.

“We want to thank the wonderful people here that make the borough such a vibrant and rich place, and to celebrate them at every opportunity.

“Our Cultural Stars show what is possible, and what a difference can be made, by their sheer determination, enthusiasm and hard work. We are very proud of each and every one of them.

“It was the support of our Cultural Stars, and the pledges of nearly 15,000 residents and businesses, which helped Waltham Forest win first London Borough of Culture 2019.”