Waltham Forest’s schoolchildren challenged to brighten up new building site

Budding artists from schools across Waltham Forest have been set the challenge of designing artwork to decorate the hoardings around the former Walthamstow Stadium site.

Housing association L&Q, which is redeveloping the Chingford Road site into housing and leisure facilities, launched the competition this month with pupils from two local schools – Chingford Hall Primary School and Ainslie Wood Primary.

The pupils have been asked to submit paintings, sketches and collages on what the borough means to them.

The best artwork will be selected by an independent judging panel, led by L&Q's East London resident Neighbourhood Committee with the results to be announced towards the end of November. The chosen artwork will be displayed on the temporary hoarding wall surrounding the site. All artwork will also be showcased at an exhibition in 2011.

Steve Yianni, Regional Director at L&Q said: "We were really keen to get the local community involved in the project. We all know that a building site is not always the most attractive prospect especially in the early days of construction, so we wanted the children of Waltham Forest to help us make the hoardings as bright and engaging as possible. We look forward to seeing the entries."

Kate Jennings, Headteacher of Ainslie Wood Primary said, "Being part of the local community is of great importance to us at Ainslie Wood. The stadium was an iconic symbol in the local area that has inspired many art projects. We are looking forward to creating something as equally impressive."

Pat Davies, Headteacher of Chingford Hall said, "The children are really enjoying expressing what they like about the borough and are looking forward to seeing which pictures will be selected and shown on the hoardings."

The schools involved will receive a donation of school equipment as a thank-you for their contribution.