Construction begins on next stage of Grahame Park regeneration
Construction begins on next stage of Grahame Park regeneration
Wates, Notting Hill Genesis and Barnet Council have officially broken ground on the construction of 209 new homes in Barnet, marking the next stage in the regeneration of Grahame Park, the borough’s largest housing estate, in Colindale.
Councillor Daniel Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council, attended a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday 10th March, to celebrate progress on the scheme, which is one of the largest self-funding regeneration projects in Europe. This site, being delivered by Wates, will provide 60 social rented homes, as well as 149 homes for shared ownership, alongside communal green spaces and a new small supermarket for local residents. Kate Davies, Chief Executive of Notting Hill Genesis, and Andrew Savege, Head of Partnerships at Wates, also attended the event.
The site has been designed with physical and mental wellbeing at its core, creating a safe environment where residents can enjoy beautiful landscaping, parks and tree-lined streets, with walking and cycling paths to connect the neighborhood. There will also be increased investment in local bus services, improving journey times and linking Grahame Park to the rest of Colindale.
Wates was appointed by Notting Hill Genesis in 2021 to deliver this next stage of the wider regeneration masterplan, which will include more than 1,000 affordable homes, as well as new retail, workspaces, community and health facilities, a revitalised Heybourne Park and a new main street.
As part the project, it has committed to leaving a positive legacy in Colindale, working closely with local community groups, schools and charities to deliver social value that lasts. This includes offering 14 work experience placements and 18 apprenticeships throughout the project, as well as a pre-employability ‘Construct a Career’ course that will provide vital training and skills to those unemployed locally. It has also committed to spend £11 million with local businesses, leveraging the local supply chain and supporting economic growth in the area.
It was a pleasure to return to Grahame Park estate to see the progress in the next stage of this development. Grahame Park’s residents today and future generations will benefit from high-quality, affordable housing and amenities that have a positive impact on the local community.
The Grahame Park scheme is one part of Barnet borough’s ambitious housing delivery programme the largest in the capital. In the past 10 years, 3,500 affordable homes have been built as part of this. We are on track to offer around 800 more new affordable homes for rent by 2024. By 2036, Barnet will have added nearly 44,000 more new homes, at least one-third of which we expect to be affordable.”
Councillor Daniel Thomas
Leader of Barnet Council
We are so proud of the progress we’ve made at Grahame Park and look forward to working with Wates on this next stage. When we get involved in building new communities, we know it’s about far more than bricks and mortar. We have supported many local people, charities and small businesses in Colindale and will continue to do so over the coming years, making sure that as well as creating high-quality homes and open spaces we leave a social legacy that will benefit those living here for decades to come.”
Kate Davies
Chief Executive of Notting Hill Genesis
We are excited to take this first step in the construction of this site, which promises to transform the Grahame Park estate for generations to come. As a company, we are committed to developments that not only deliver new homes, but that also significantly benefit the local community by supporting economic growth, promoting opportunities for employment, and creating a safer, brighter future for residents.”
Andrew Savege
Head of Partnerships at Wates Residential
