Westhorpe Gardens residents voted in a ballot for their homes to be redeveloped in 2018

Westhorpe Gardens in Hendon was the first estate in London to vote for its own regeneration. Now, five years on, the first returning residents have assessed the outcome.
Westhorpe was the first scheme approved by a resident ballot under guidance set out by the Mayor of London in 2018. Following a public consultation in Autumn that year a ballot was held with the plans receiving 75% approval from residents in mid-November 2018.
Now in survey results based on responses from 50 of 79 residents returning to Phase 1 of Westhorpe Gardens in October 2023, over 70% of residents returning to Westhorpe Gardens believe the quality and design of their new homes will be positive for their wellbeing and that of their families.
Over 60% also said that the build quality of their new homes has exceeded their expectations, with space, design for natural light, and access to balconies mentioned as the most positive aspects.
The regeneration of the original 1960s Westhorpe Gardens and Mills Grove estates was proposed by housing association MTVH in 2018 in collaboration with Barnet Council, and with the support of funding from The Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme.
Phase 1 has seen 79 residents return to new properties, and Phase 2 will see a further 172 homes built, all of which are either social rent, affordable rent, or shared ownership. In total 149 additional affordable, high-quality homes are being provided in Barnet through the regeneration.
As a result of feedback from residents during the consultation stage for the ‘new’ Westhorpe Gardens, the development incorporates extensive green spaces, community gardens and allotments, later living accommodation, play areas, and a pedestrian friendly design. The development is also energy efficient with its own power system, with all homes built to EPC standard B, communal solar energy, and electric vehicle charging points.
Geeta Nanda, OBE, Chief Executive at MTVH said: “Westhorpe Gardens is a true partnership between MTVH, the residents, Barnet Council, the GLA, and our development partner The Hill Group. The Mayor’s ballot gave residents the opportunity to shape the place they wanted Westhorpe to become and it’s incredibly satisfying to see that becoming a reality and our residents benefiting as they return.”
Cllr Ross Houston, Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration said: “In Barnet, we care about people, our places and the planet, and ensuring our residents have access to quality, affordable housing is a major part of that. Involving residents in shaping the regeneration of their homes and estates through co-production is also a key priority for us.
“So, it’s great to see this collaborative effort between partners and the local community that helps us take steps towards achieving these goals is being so well received.”
Tom Copley, Deputy London Mayor for Housing said: “All Londoners deserve to live in homes that are safe, affordable and of the highest quality. I’m extremely pleased that five years on from the Mayoral ballot to redevelop Westhorpe Gardens, we have not only delivered on our promise to transform the estate with significant home improvements, new green spaces and communal areas, but that the vast majority of residents are pleased with the progress that we’ve made so far.
“We will continue to work closely with our development partners, keeping local residents at the heart of this regeneration scheme, as we move into Phase 2 which will deliver 172 new affordable homes – helping to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for all.”
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