The transformation of Barnet’s largest housing estate has taken a major step forward as planners give the green light to an ambitious new masterplan for Grahame Park in Colindale, which includes the construction of over 2,000 homes.
The masterplan, developed by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) in partnership with Barnet Council, will see 2,088 new homes developed. More than 1,000 of those will be affordable housing with 346 for social rent.
Community facilities, including a community centre and a day nursery, will also be provided as well as improvements to Heybourne Park. The proposals include a thriving new high street that will integrate Grahame Park into wider Colindale, improvements to sustainable forms of travel such as buses, electric vehicles, walking and cycling, as well as new green spaces and play areas.
As part of the masterplan, detailed planning consent was agreed for 209 affordable homes and a small supermarket, for which work will begin soon.
The masterplan will enable more social housing than the existing estate, meaning there are more than enough homes to house all existing secure tenants at Grahame Park, and that they will only have to move once.
Kate Davies, Chief Executive of NHG, said: “We are really pleased that the new masterplan has been approved by the planning authority. Since the Mayor of London’s decision on the previous plan in 2018 we have been working closely with Barnet Council, the Mayor and local people on designs for the next phase that meet the aspirations of everyone involved.
“We think the new scheme not only addresses the Mayor’s previous concerns but is a better scheme of which we’re very proud. Our vision for the next stage of Grahame Park is to create a high-quality neighbourhood with the community at its heart. The new masterplan will build on the regeneration work started in 2007 to create an open and outward looking place that puts the community first, with a mix of uses, active street frontages and good access to community facilities.
“We are committed to providing high quality homes and facilities for new and existing residents and are investing £700m over the next 15 years to ensure the sustainability of this vital project, £35m of which will come from our own reserves.”
Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council, commented: “We are delighted that our plans to invest in the future of Grahame Park have now been approved. Those living in Grahame Park deserve better homes and community facilities, and a better quality environment than is currently the case. This decision means that residents now have more clarity on the next steps and that we can now move forward and build a positive, healthy and well-designed environment where residents and visitors will be able to thrive.”
A spokesperson for Barnet Homes, who are the existing housing provider for Grahame Park, added: “It is very positive news that the next phase of development has been approved. The decision will mean better outcomes for our secure tenants who will now only have to move once. We look forward to working with local residents, Barnet Council and NHG to make the next phase of the regeneration of the estate a success.”
This announcement also follows the recent decision by the council to invest an additional £33m on a range of improvements over the next three years to the existing homes on the Grahame Park estate.
Header image shows a CGI of the proposed new development at Grahame Park
