Wanstead Village retains many of the characteristics of the historic village linked to Wanstead House and its sumptuous gardens (now Wanstead Park).  Wanstead is now home to a number of attractive buildings and parks including St Mary's Church, which is the only Grade 1 nationally listed building in Redbridge.  At the same time, it is a well served shopping centre with shops such as Somerfield, Woolworths and Boots, as well as a multitude of well respected independent traders ranging from antique dealers, health food shops and some excellent restaurants and cafés.  Wanstead is also home to the highly successful 'Wanstead Festival', which takes place around the 3^rd weekend of September.

Wanstead Business Partnership have been established since 2001 and play a vital role in supporting the Festival, putting up Christmas lights and liaising with the Council on matters such as parking and trees.  Their ambition to twin with a town in Italy or France has not yet been achieved but international links are still planned.

Business Partnership Aims

• Increase membership by 25%
• Improve local business profits as a result of exposure and awareness through special events such as Wanstead Festival and Concert
• Reduce crime to provide safer neighbourhoods and community spirit through RBAC and CCTV
• Lobby regarding Pavement Trading fees
• Promote town: signage, clean Wanstead and newsletter
• Twin with town in Italy / France

Last year's successes included

• Wanstead Festival including Concert in Christ Church
• Instrumental in improving effective policing ie Re-opening of Wanstead Police Station
• Christmas Concert in Christ Church
• Three years of Christmas lighting
• Introduction of Shop Watch Scheme / CCTV introduced in Wanstead High Street