The redevelopment and centralisation of a council’s offices officially got underway today.

More than 450 new homes will be built in Forest Road, Walthamstow as part of the plans which will see Waltham Forest Council services centralised.

The council officially launched the search for a company to help deliver the plans today, marking the start of the project.

The Town Hall Campus plan will see staff from ten older council offices dotted across the borough move into new office space on the site.

New homes will be built on the land left behind by those older offices.

The council plans to demolish the former magistrates court building – which currently houses a council cafe and offices – to make way for more.

A total of 50 per cent of the housing will be affordable, according to the council’s plans and “significant investment” will be ploughed into the Grade II listed town hall, assembly hall and fountain.

Initial plans were published in 2017, but since then the council has increased the number of homes by more than 150 and raised the percentage of affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent.

The plans also protect the green spaces on the campus to ensure they are available for events and concerts.

Council leader Cllr Clare Coghill said: “This is a once in a lifetime project and will truly change the way we work for the benefit of our community, customers, colleagues and the council. The redeveloped town hall campus will be a one-stop shop for our residents, and a single site from which the majority of council staff can work.

“The town hall and neighbouring assembly hall are iconic and architectural treasures. We want a delivery partner that recognises the value and importance of this site to the community, and understands our vision to protect and preserve them, while welcoming ways to modernise the site and open it up for residents, staff and visitors.”