115 High Street, Walthamstow
The SOCO are bringing forward proposals for 115 High Street, Walthamstow, the site of the former Wilko store. The proposals include purpose-built shared living accommodation, new commercial space at ground floor level and improvements to the streets and spaces around the site.
The site sits on Walthamstow High Street and is occupied by a two-storey retail building. A service yard is accessed from Mission Grove to the rear.
About Us
The SOCO
Seeing the severe lack of housing and increasing social isolation in the UK, The SOCO founders Matthew and Ben were driven to consider a new, better form of housing. As part of its fifth London project, The SOCO aims to provide safety, convenience and real community.
The SOCO’s shared living model responds to a genuine and growing housing need in Waltham Forest, and is designed, built and managed to actively support the community around it — keeping people rooted locally, energising the High Street and reducing environmental impact along the way.
Our Vision
Shared living at 115 High Street is built around Walthamstow’s community. The SOCO’s shared living model would provide purpose-built accommodation alongside shared spaces for residents, with new commercial space at ground floor level, supporting community life within the building while contributing to the High Street and reducing environmental impact.
Our proposals include:
Around 250 purpose-built shared living studios, including 28 wheelchair-accessible studios
New commercial space (approximately 240 sqm) at ground floor level, with active frontages onto the High Street and Palmerston Road
A first-floor courtyard garden, with additional outdoor terraces created by the building’s upper-level step-backs
A building height reduced to 6 habitable storeys, down from the 8-storey scheme shown at the first consultation
A façade design that responds to the character of Walthamstow High Street, using tones of red and brown brick
An all-electric, car-free scheme targeting net zero carbon in operation.
Biodiversity Net Gain of over 25% and an Urban Greening Factor of over 0.4, with 8 new courtyard trees
Support for the High Street and Walthamstow Market through new footfall, spend and job opportunities
Benefits
Responds to real need:
Waltham Forest needs 27,000 new homes by 2035, and a growing share of single-person households are underserved by existing stock.
Keeps community together:
Shared living can provide an additional housing option for people who want to live in Walthamstow, close to work, family and existing local connections.
Designed against isolation:
Shared kitchens, lounges, workspace and events are built into the floor plan, a structural response to urban loneliness rather than an add-on amenity.
Making efficient use of the site:
The proposals would make better use of this town-centre site, providing new shared living accommodation and commercial space on previously developed land.
Inclusive and sustainable by design:
The proposals include 28 wheelchair-accessible studios and an all-electric building, alongside measures to reduce operational carbon and improve biodiversity.
Supporting the High Street:
A resident population on the doorstep of 115 High Street brings daily footfall and spend directly to local shops and businesses.
Consultation Materials
Timeline
July 2026
First Round Public Consultation Events
September 2026
Second Round Public Consultation Events
Autumn 2026
Target Planning Application Submission