A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place to mark the development of dozens of new homes and a hub.

The Families and Homes Hub in Wood Street, Walthamstow, will be a residential development of 67 homes along with a space that could be used as a shop or cafe.

Waltham Forest Council says the scheme on the site of a former library will provide 50 per cent affordable housing including 18 homes for social rent and 14 for shared ownership.

The project at the junction with Forest Road will also include a hub that the council says will provide a range of important customer facing services.

Council leader Grace Williams said: "Waltham Forest is a diverse and vibrant place, and our people make it what it is. The Families and Homes Hub is part of our commitment to working with residents to ensure that all our communities continue to thrive.

"This site will help people in a single modern, integrated, and convenient setting. It will provide Waltham Forest residents with access to the council’s social care and housing teams in a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Credit: Mark Bullimore PhotographyCredit: Mark Bullimore Photography

Cllr Simon Miller, who leads on housing development, added: "We are glad to signify the start of works and our continued partnership with The Hill Group. Not only will the development provide much needed council services for residents, but it will also provide much needed affordable housing for local people and deliver significant social value by providing nine apprenticeships and three work placements to local people as well."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Credit: Mark Bullimore PhotographyCredit: Mark Bullimore Photography

At the ceremony on March 4, eight children and their teacher from Woodside Primary Academy School in Waltham Forest were gifted a time capsule by developer, The Hill Group, which will allow pupils to gather stories, items and artefacts from the present day.

The capsule will then be buried at the hub for future generations to discover.