Walthamstow faces two 300-room co-living schemes as council weighs first bid

Walthamstow could soon host two of London’s largest co-living developments, as Waltham Forest Council reviews a planning application for a 310-room scheme in Wood Street. Developer SoCo has also launched public consultation for a second project, a 319-room block on the site of the former Wilko store in Walthamstow High Street.

The Wood Street proposal, submitted earlier this year, would replace a cluster of vehicle repair sheds and vacant offices with a six-storey building. SoCo’s plans include studio rooms, communal kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, a gym and roof terraces. The scheme also allocates 971 square metres for commercial use and provides 320 cycle parking spaces.

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Plans for 1,097 flats and 1,164 co-living units in seven buildings, some up to 69 storeys, have been approved.

High Street site carries legacy of trader losses

The second scheme targets the former Wilko building, which has operated as Stow Bazaar indoor market since June 2024. Traders have told the Waltham Forest Echo that repeated break-ins, flooding and collapsing ceiling tiles have forced several to close. Perfume shop owner Haris Ahmed reported losing £35,000 of stock in a single break-in a week after opening.

Princess Caulker, who sold clothing at the market, said she accumulated debts in the tens of thousands after footfall failed to cover her costs. SoCo’s early designs for the co-living scheme retain ground-floor retail space, but it is unclear whether Stow Bazaar would remain under those plans.

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Developer promises biodiversity gains and accessibility

SoCo has emphasised green design for both projects. The High Street scheme promises a biodiversity net gain of more than 25%, including nine new trees and green roofs. The developer also pledged that 10% of rooms would be wheelchair accessible, describing the approach as guided by inclusive design principles.

Co-living developments typically target young professionals with flexible leases and all-inclusive bills. Critics, however, have compared them to expensive youth hostels. The average rent for a co-living studio in London is £1,400 per month, according to industry data cited by the Waltham Forest Echo. SoCo has not disclosed its proposed rent levels for either Walthamstow scheme.

Waltham Forest Council confirmed it is still assessing the Wood Street application. A decision date has not been set. SoCo’s public consultation for the High Street scheme remains open, with no planning application submitted yet.