Uplands, Walthamstow

London E17

Uplands Business Park is a 5 hectare Strategic Industrial Location (SIL) in Blackhorse Lane, Waltham Forest. In December 2023 NEAT Developments and the site owners, BlackRock Real Assets obtained a Resolution to Grant planning permission – thought to be the largest private sector Application ever in Waltham Forest – to redevelop the estate. The aims are to:

• Increase the amount of industrial space, and to do so in a modern stacked industrial format.
• Introduce new uses, particularly up to 1,800 new homes.
• Substantially increase biodiversity, and introduce new green open space.

Located on Blackhorse Lane, just 10 minutes walk from the tube station and overlooking Walthamstow Wetlands, Uplands Business Park is uniquely placed to create a new sustainable mixed use community. The intention is to create a new “15 minute neighbourhood” in Blackhorse Lane: to retain existing businesses – this is an ‘industry led’ Application – but also to increase the number of jobs on site, and establish new homes and leisure opportunities.

Given the scale of the proposals this will be a ‘hybrid’ planning Application: the first part detailed, the remainder in outline and subject to reserved matters. The first Phase will include 18,000 m² of new industrial space that will enable existing businesses to be rehoused, and 119 new homes; it will include Uplands House (Big Creative Education) which will be retained.

The development will be high quality, based around a series of yards that will service businesses during the day, but can become open entertaining places in the evening. Around half of the total area will be open space, including a new Wetlands Waterside Park the size of two dozen tennis courts. There will be a 20% net positive biodiversity gain, and the intention is that 95% of all building waste will be recycled on site.

Subsequent phases will involve up to 1,681 new homes, some in tall buildings, which enables more open space and the provision of around 35% affordable housing (affordable rent; shared ownership etc). The proposals will also deliver new local shops, cafes and space for a creche and GP surgery. The development is expected to support around 1,000 new jobs on site once fully operational. If approved, construction is expected to begin on site in Summer 2024.

For more information please visit: www.futureofuplands.com