£800m sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood coming to Blackhorse Lane

Uplands Business Park on Blackhorse Lane in London will undergo some exciting changes in summer 2024.

NEAT Developments and BlackRock Real Assets recently submitted a planning application detailing a £800 million sustainable new mixed-use development. the highly anticipated project.

The proposal that was submitted to Waltham Forest Council confirms the mixed-use development is set for completion in summer 2027.

Details about the new mixed-use development

According to the proposal, a new mixed-use neighbourhood will be created. It will include over 29,000 square metres of light industrial floorspace, up to 1,800 new homes as well as amenity and recreational space, with a total gross development value of over £800 million.

Buildings and structures from Uplands Business Park and Forest Trading Estate in Walthamstow will be replaced while Uplands House will remain. 

During phase 1 existing businesses on the site will be retained. 18,000 square metres of modern stacked industrial floorspace across two buildings will be constructed and 119 new homes will be delivered.

Phase 2 will deliver 11,000 square metre of additional industrial floorspace and up to 1,681 homes. New retail, restaurants, cafés, outdoor markets, and leisure spaces will also be provided.

Green spaces also form part of the plans. A new 6,000 square metre ‘Wetlands Waterside’ park will be delivered. This will offer a scenic view overlooking Walthamstow Wetlands.

Uplands Business Park continues to attract a growing number of independent businesses and creatives, including start-ups and SMEs. Existing businesses at the park will be relocated within the newly created units. It is anticipated that the scheme will generate more than 1,000 extra jobs.

Sustainability is key

Sustainability is at the heart of the new development as the aim is to retain the industrial land but also deliver housing stock.

High-quality landscaping, tree planting, and roof gardens will be used to increase the biodiversity of the site by 50%.

The planning application also outlines plans to reuse, recycle or recover 95% of construction and demolition waste. Building materials will also be sourced locally and be low-carbon.

Electric charging points and bike storage will be installed. Those who prefer to travel by foot will be s within a short walk from their home or workplace.

Blackhorse Road tube, Walthamstow Central and Queens Road Overground are only a short distance from the development.

Brian Reynolds, director at NEAT Developments said: “This proposed development by NEAT Developments and BlackRock follows close engagement with the local community and harnesses the potential of Blackhorse Lane, identified as a key growth area by the Council. It seamlessly integrates housing with industry and culture, providing modern, stacked-industrial uses with much-needed homes in a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood.”