Major of London Boris Johnson has given the green light for a residential redevelopment of the historic Walthamstow greyhound stadium, E4.
London & Quadrant now has consent for a 294-home scheme on the 11.5-acre site, as well as a skateboard and BMX ramp, climbing tower, sprint track and gym, leisure centre and nursery.
Johnson said today: “I share the sadness of many about the demise of dog racing from this historic corner of London. However, I believe this proposal will provide a major boost for Walthamstow, creating new jobs and new homes, many of which will be affordable and attract desperately needed new investment into the area.”
The stadium has been subject to controversy since it was put up for sale in 2005, following complaints that Walthamstow would lose a historic landmark.
L&Q bought it in 2008 for an undisclosed sum. However other bidders have since tried to buy it back, including three-time Derby winner Bob Morton who teamed up with Walthamstow-based developer Frank Taylor to try to buy the land for around £16m. The pair wanted to develop a race track and flats.
As part of the consent from Waltham Forest council earlier this year, L&Q has agreed to pay £2m for the surrounding community.
“While no viable plan has been put forward to bring racing back I am pleased the new development will preserve many of the historic elements of the stadium including a sprint circuit along the route of the old track,” Johnson added.
L&Q projects director Andy Rowland said: “We are delighted that the mayor of London has approved our proposals for the Walthamstow Stadium site. We now look forward to beginning work as soon as we possibly can, subject to meeting the remaining conditions in the planning process.”
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
