In 1998-99 we carried out a feasibility study on proposals for developing arts and cultural facilities in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, notably proposals for a performing arts centre in Walthamstow town centre and the refurbishment and extension of a small art gallery, the Waltham Forest Theatre and the William Morris Gallery, all in a park to the north of the Borough. Our conclusion was that a town centre development should take priority: the Council was intent on revitalising the centre and a flagship arts development in or near the town square and close to the large bus, underground and train interchange complex made better sense.

We noted how important the Central Library (a Carnegie Library, Grade II listed) was as an element in the built environment and speculated on the advantages of linking it to the proposed arts centre. It flanked the town square, a lively street market and a shopping centre. Unfortunately, when the street market and the shops closed in the early evening the daytime vitality faded and the square became just another sterile space criss-crossed by commuters. Yet, it had the potential to become an outstanding piece of urban design and a key to town centre regeneration. We felt that an arts centre with a café spilling out on to the square, open throughout the day and evening, would do much to animate the area, help provide a civilised evening economy and attract local people and visitors from further afield.

After we completed our study the Council proposed redeveloping the run-down shopping arcade close to the town square and relocating the Library in it to provide the space the Library needed and to provide a flagship for the arcade redevelopment. This left the Library building vacant.

We were then invited to carry out a further study, this time on creating a multi-purpose arts centre in the building. It would contain an auditorium; a gallery for the visual arts and crafts; studio performance space; a rehearsal room; a meeting room; workshops for local arts and media groups; an education room; space for small businesses to rent; and a bar/café. The centre would be an outlet for local artists and arts groups, and for the area's cultural and creative enterprises, which the Borough was fostering.

Our research demonstrated that the project was feasible. We advocated links in and around the square between the centre, the Library in its new location, shops, including the splendid bookshop across the road, the market and local businesses to create an integrated development. Most importantly, the project should make a positive contribution to the Borough's new, imaginative masterplan for the town centre.

The Borough went ahead and the firm of Timpson Manley, with Alan Baxter Associates and Town Centres Limited was commissioned to design the plan. RHWL have now been appointed as architects for the arts centre.