The government has granted Waltham Forest £680,000 to bring an 100-year-old hospital up to standard.

The funds will be used to bring forward the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital as well as building both private and public ownership housing around the Forest Road area.

The money has been handed out as part of the government’s plans to build 10,000 new homes and create 14,000 new jobs across the UK in the next five years.

In total, £15 million has been invested into 100 sites across the country.

The scheme also includes the streamlining of public services to create new “community hubs” where emergency services, councils and government departments will share space, providing multiple services from one location.

So far the move is said to have saved the British tax payer up to £24 million.

Cllr Simon Miller, cabinet member for economic growth and high streets, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding toward our programme.

“This funding will be used to continue our work as we make the best use of our corporate estate, improving the efficiency of the council but also delivering the services and infrastructure our residents demand.

“We have long lobbied for the redevelopment of Whipps Cross to meet demand and provide the first class health facility our residents deserve.

“This is a significant step forward in the right direction.”

Oliver Dowden, the Minister for Implementation, said: “Getting the best use out of publicly owned land can help to regenerate our towns and cities and give people improved access to the services they need.

“This programme shows that when Government works smarter, with public authorities coming together, taxpayers get better value for money, new jobs are created and space is freed up for vitally needed new homes.”

Lord Porter, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “I’m pleased to see this scheme continue to grow from strength to strength.

“This latest round will see the programme now deliver more than 650 projects in total, all of which support councils to work with the wider public sector to deliver the best public services and place for their local communities.

“The delivery of new homes remains a national priority and with 95 per cent of councils now part of the programme, it’s clear to see that local government remains committed to building the right homes for the places they serve.”