Edgware Town Centre project team responds to the recent Edgware Voice piece on the Broadwalk Centre development
Over the past two and a half years, Ballymore and Transport for London (TfL) have been working closely with Barnet Council, the local community and other stakeholders to develop a vision for Edgware that resonates with the existing community while also embracing the potential for growth and evolution.
We know that change can be daunting and we appreciate there is a broad range of views locally about the proposed development. However, we believe that these proposals represent a bold plan that addresses the future needs of Edgware, while sensitively retaining the essence of the area. Just as the arrival of the Underground 100 years ago brought transformation and growth to the area, today’s plans can be the marker of a new era.
This is why it’s important that everyone fully understand the facts about what is being proposed, why we are making these proposals and what the benefits will be.
We recognise that there are concerns around the development’s height and density. We are proposing to deliver 3,365 new homes and 460 student accommodation spaces. These new homes are desperately needed amid the housing crisis. We’re targeting up to 1,100 affordable homes, roughly half of which will be for social rent – a significant opportunity to provide hundreds of new homes for people and families on Barnet’s housing waiting list, as well as meeting wider local housing needs.
It’s widely recognised by the government, Greater London Authority and the council that brownfield sites such as The Broadwalk, with excellent public transport links into central London, should be considered as prime locations for additional housing. This is why the site is allocated in the council’s Emerging Local Plan and Edgware Growth Area Supplementary Planning Document, which identifies The Broadwalk and Bus Station and Garage as the main development opportunity in the town with the potential for tall buildings.
Not ‘the densest development in the UK’
We’re aware that some misinformation is in circulation, suggesting that our proposals represent ‘the densest development in the UK’. This is not the case. Our proposals are comparable to other development sites in London, such as the nearby Silkstream development in Hendon. With sensitive, well-designed densification, we can unlock more public and green open-spaces than exist currently, including access to a new 4.7 acre nature park, 400 new trees, community growing gardens and 2.5 acres of new playspace for children of all ages.
Major new developments must be supported by significant investment in community infrastructure. Alongside our vision for Edgware Town Centre, we will deliver £1.7 billion of investment in the local community, unlocking benefits that residents in Edgware have told us are sorely needed. This figure will go towards delivering:
- 20,000 sq.ft. safeguarded for health facilities such as GP surgeries, clinics and dentists
- A significant contribution to Barnet’s local education budget
- A new, fit for purpose transport interchange, including an EV-enabled bus garage which, in due course, will help support the increased use of electric buses across London – improving air quality and helping to tackle the climate emergency, plus covered areas and better connections to the Underground station
- Twice the existing amount of commercial space on the site, with 460,000 sq. ft. for new shops, cafes, restaurants and a new cinema
- A modern library and community space that will provide a diverse offering including potential for services such as a pharmacy and working space for all
We understand new developments such as this can prompt concerns. However, we are certain our proposals will support the local community now and into the future. We have an opportunity here to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, revitalise the local economy, deliver hundreds of affordable homes for local people and make Edgware one of the cleanest and most sustainable centres in London.
We urge anyone who wants to find out more about the plans to visit our website
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