Theresa Villiers described the controversial Broadwalk Centre plans as “shocking”

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers meets local campaigners opposing The Broadwalk Centre redevelopment in Edgware — Theresa Villiers meets local campaigners outside Edgware Station – (Credit – Office of Theresa Villiers MP)

The MP for Chipping Barnet has joined the campaign against the redevelopment of an Edgware shopping centre after meeting local opponents of the plans.

Theresa Villiers met local campaigners including Anuta Zack of Save our Edgware, Edgware ward councillor Lucy Wakeley and Edgewarebury councillor Lachhya Gurung to be briefed on the controversial scheme to replace The Broadwalk Centre with 3,365 homes and 463 student flats.

She criticised both developers Ballymore and the Mayor of London, due to the role of Transport for London as joint venture partners, as she joined Harrow East MP Bob Blackman in opposing the scheme.

Villiers said: “This plan for 25 high-rise buildings is insane. It would include a block of 29 storeys and twelve others in excess of 20 storeys.”

“According to the Save Edgware campaign group, that would give Edgware Broadwalk a population which is more dense than Manhattan, Canary Wharf or Hong Kong. Local infrastructure could not possibly cope with the 3800 new dwellings proposed.”

“It’s shocking that the Mayor of London is trying to do this to Edgware. He wants to radically reduce the parking available in the town centre which would jeopardise the viability of local shops. They would also be devastated by the many years of disruption caused while the new blocks are being built.”

“The proposal includes demolition of the bus station, but the replacement facilities will be completely inadequate for this important transport hub. Residents have also told me of their very serious fire safety concerns about the idea of an underground bus charging depot.”

“Although this development is not in my constituency, it will have a significant impact on nearby areas, including Edgwarebury which is due to become part of Chipping Barnet at the next general election.”

“I am joining my colleague Bob Blackman MP in strongly opposing what the Mayor and TfL propose to do to Edgware town centre. There is a need for regeneration and that should include new homes. But what is proposed is excessive. It must be drastically scaled back before it can be made acceptable.”

The Broadwalk Centre development has attracted a wide range of comment in recent months. This has included significant opposition from some local residents, while others have called for a compromise approach. In August, Edgware Town Centre project team gave the developers’ perspective in favour of the scheme, while in a recent councillor column, Edgware councillor Nick Mearing-Smith outlined 10 problems with the plans.

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