Two huge co-living developments planned in Walthamstow

Developer SoCo is pursuing a 310-room scheme in Wood Street and a second 319-room development for the former Wilko building in Walthamstow High Street, reports Marco Marcelline

A view of the proposed co-living scheme in Walthamstow High Street, pictured from Sainsbury’s (Credit: SoCo)

A developer is pursuing two large co-living schemes in Walthamstow, with one in Wood Street already awaiting planning
approval and a second proposed for the old Wilko site in Walthamstow High Street.

Co-living is a modern residential housing model where predominantly young people rent private bedrooms but share communal spaces, such as kitchens, living areas, and amenities.

It often includes flexible leases, all-inclusive utility bills, and organised events designed to foster community among residents. But they have also been criticised for being “expensive youth hostels”, with studio rents on average being around £1,400 per month.

SoCo, which has not yet listed its rent charges, plans to build 310 co-living studios on a former industrial site off Wood Street, adjacent to a tennis, cricket, and squash club.

The six-storey scheme would replace ageing vehicle repair sheds and vacant offices with studio rooms, communal kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, a gym, roof terraces and new green space.

The vision also includes 971 square metres of commercial space and 320 cycle parking spaces. Waltham Forest Council is yet to decide on the proposal.

A sketchup of the proposed “Wood Street Studios” development, Credit: SoCo

At the same time, SoCo has begun public consultation on a similar second scheme – a 319-room co-living development proposed for the former Wilko building in Walthamstow High Street, currently operating as indoor market Stow Bazaar.

Stow Bazaar opened in June 2024 with 48 retail units, but struggled to retain traders who told the Echo of repeated break-ins, inaccessible and poorly maintained toilets, flooding, and collapsing ceiling tiles.

Last year, clothing trader Princess Caulker said she accrued debts “in the tens of thousands” after low footfall left her unable to cover costs, while perfume shop owner Haris Ahmed said he lost £35,000 worth of stock in a break-in just a week after opening.

While early designs promise to retain ground-floor retail space, it is unclear if that vision includes Stow Bazaar.

Like in Wood Street, this development would include shared kitchens, co-working areas, lounges, terraces, and a gym. Around 10% of rooms would be wheelchair accessible, with SoCo saying the scheme is guided by “inclusive design principles” and promises good lighting around the building.

Outdoor space is a major part of the concept, with more than nine new trees planted, green roofs and a projected biodiversity net
gain of “more than 25%”.

Find out more about the 115 Walthamstow High Street scheme here

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