Planning permission has been granted to redevelop a Grade II listed town hall as part of a two-phase scheme which could include 500 new homes, pending further permission.

Waltham Forest Council’s planning committee approved phase one of the scheme on October 28.

Phase one will see Walthamstow Town Hall renovated along with modernising developments to the surrounding campus.

The fountain in front of the hall will be replaced with a new water feature with choreographed water jets and night-time illumination.

The Walthamstow Assembly Hall, also Grade II listed, will be preserved.

This is the largest change to the town hall and the wider campus since it was first opened in 1941.

Phase two of the town hall transformation will see 500 new homes built, with the council pledging at least 50 per cent will be affordable and prioritised for borough residents.

The plans will also see a new civic office built along with new retail and café outlets.

Councillor Simon Miller, cabinet member for economic growth and housing development, said: “A project like this really does only happen once in a lifetime. Not since it opened in 1941 has the heart of our borough had such a transformation.

“It is not only an opportunity to build genuinely affordable homes for residents but to create a whole new community around the historic town hall.

“Residents will have more leisure and retail opportunities as well as greater access to the historic town hall and assembly hall.”

Detailed plans will be drawn up in 2020 and a public consultation will be launched.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2024.