Image: A leisure centre forms part of the scheme

Housing association London and Quarter (L&Q) has been granted planning permission for the mixed-use redevelopment of the capital's landmark Walthamstow Stadium site.

The historic former greyhound racing stadium has remained vacant since it shut in August 2008. L&Q's plans to rejuvenate the site were first submitted last July, before being revised in December.

Waltham Forest Council has now approved the Conran and Partners-designed redevelopment, which includes the restoration of the Grade II-listed Tote building to house a community leisure centre.

The main Tote building will offer a climbing wall in order to provide a "dramatic feature to the historic space", while a landscaped plaza in front of the Tote aims to "promote community interaction".

L&Q's updated plans also include a Stadium trail - featuring a sprint circuit around the original greyhound track; new residential accommodation; a nursery; a café; and a crèche.

Mike Johnson, land director at L&Q, said: "[The scheme] will bring £50m worth of investment into the borough - including £3.8m pounds in section 106 contributions, which will be used to improve local leisure, health and transport facilities.

"It will preserve the heritage of this iconic and historic site for the long term. In addition our plans would create new opportunities, including 250 jobs and many apprenticeships."

The proposals will now go before London mayor Boris Johnson for approval, although the scheme continues to face opposition from local campaigners.

Details: www.walthamforest.gov.uk