Renovations to an Iconic Shopping Precinct

Central Parade, located on Hoe Street in Walthamstow, was originally completed in 1958 by the Walthamstow Borough Architect’s Department. At the heart of a vibrant and creative community, the Grade II listed building has significant architectural and historical value, featuring a distinctive mosaic and iconic wavy canopy.

Over the decades, it has suffered from wear and tear, particularly to its canopy and striking shop fronts. As a result, the London Borough of Waltham Forest Council was keen to revitalise the shopping precinct and return it to its former glory as part of a wider redevelopment project, especially in light of a new theatre opening in the area.

In November 2023, Aston Group was tasked with managing the exterior renovations, which included repairs to the canopy as well as the enhancement of the site’s lighting facilities to make the area more welcoming after dark.

The Challenge

As a Grade II listed property, any restoration work needed to adhere to stringent heritage guidelines, making the project complex. As such, we worked closely with the Council’s Heritage Team to ensure any changes were in keeping with the original building.

Initially, we were invited to just repaint the canopy back to its original shade of yellow, but upon closer inspection, it was found that extensive repair work was needed to the concrete, in addition to waterproofing.

The other challenge encountered related to the location of the canopy, which is over the walkway outside the shops. This could lead to disruption of local businesses, so careful consideration was involved to minimise the impact of the works

The Solution

The restoration involved multiple stages, starting with structural repairs to the canopy, which had initially been planned for a simple repaint.

When it was clear that more extensive work was needed, a structural engineer was consulted to ensure the canopy’s repairs were completed using materials that matched the original design. This included the use of specialised Sika products for waterproofing and concrete repair.

This was completed with a mobile tower, so workers could make repairs without the use of scaffolding, minimising disruption to the shops below. In addition, the walkway is quite wide, so we cordoned off where we were working using barriers, preventing people from walking underneath, without affecting access to the shops. Wherever possible, we tried to carry out the work outside of trading hours too.

The canopy, which was finished in bright yellow paint to match its historical colour, is a standout feature of the restored building. The shop fronts, previously painted in various colours, were repainted black for a uniform and striking appearance, in keeping with the original design.

In addition to the repairs, we installed new lighting to enhance the building’s appearance after dark. Up-lighters were placed beneath the canopy, highlighting its striking form. To further enhance the area, we installed colour-changing lights on the building’s clock tower. This system can be controlled remotely by Waltham Forest Council, allowing them to alter the tower’s colours to reflect events and celebrations, such as holidays or local festivals.

The lighting design was carefully planned, with trials conducted by designers prior to the permanent installation to ensure the final setup would minimise light pollution while creating a welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and residents.

The Results

The Central Parade restoration was completed with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents, thanks to careful planning and the use of mobile scaffolding.

The project’s success is evident in the building’s renewed exterior, which has been returned to its original 1950s design while incorporating modern amenities like air conditioning and improved lighting.

The yellow canopy and black shop fronts have revitalised the shopping parade’s appearance, making it a more prominent and appealing feature on the high street. The addition of new lighting has made the area more welcoming after dark, particularly with the upcoming theatre opening, while the dynamic lighting on the clock tower adds a modern touch. The restoration has been well-received by both the council and the local community, contributing to Walthamstow’s ongoing cultural and economic revitalisation.

By successfully navigating the challenges of restoring a Grade II listed property, Aston Group demonstrated its expertise in heritage projects, delivering a result that met both the council’s expectations and the needs of the local community.