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North West to Corridor Prospectus for Sustainable Co-ordinated Growth January 2009

1 Foreword This prospectus provides a summary of the scale of opportunity within the North to Luton Corridor. The report sets out how the London of Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow are working together with regional and national government to ensure a shared approach to this major concentration of housing and employment growth.

The drive to increase housing supply and provide people with affordable places to live is a real challenge – a challenge heightened by current economic problems. Clearly within the UK (and beyond) there is a major slow down in development activity, predicted to continue in the coming year. However, we believe that we have the economic and policy building blocks in place to deliver our long-term aspirations. The private sector is leading the development of the corridor and have made its long-term commitment clear.

By 2026 over 133,500 additional residents will live in Barnet, Brent, Camden and Harrow, equivalent to a city the size of Peterborough, with much of this growth focused on a corridor of major regeneration sites. King’s Cross, and / are among the UK’s ten largest regeneration schemes, with other key sites such as and Harrow centre all representing major private sector commitment and billions of pounds of investment. While the report focuses on London, we also recognise the major growth to our north and look forward to working closely with these partners.

We have much of the key infrastructure in place, with increases in capacity planned or already occurring. For example, Thameslink services will have £5.5bn invested in them by 2015, with longer trains, improved stations and new routes, while investment will see increased capacity for Underground services, including on the Jubilee, Northern, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines. The area already benefits from a range of long-established excellent schools and hospitals, as well as major green spaces.

However, more co-ordinated investment will be needed to provide the services required to create truly sustainable communities. In the short to medium term the Housing and Communities Agency will need to ensure pro-active investment to support housing delivery. In addition a range of partners will need to ensure the additional interchange improvements, enhanced transport capacity, education, health and leisure services for a growing population.

But this is not just a housing growth corridor - it is also an economic growth corridor. The major growth in the retail, service and knowledge economies already planned for must support London’s growth, as well as tackling some of the serious social issues that lie within and adjacent to this corridor.

We do not underestimate the challenges ahead, not least in these difficult economic times. However, the document demonstrates our commitment to work in partnership to deliver the coordinated approach required. We invite both the public and private sector to join this partnership and help us realise the opportunities this corridor presents.

Boris Johnson Cllr Michael Freer Cllr Paul Lorber Cllr Keith Moffitt Cllr David Ashton Leader, LB Barnet Leader, LB Brent Leader, LB Camden Leader, LB Harrow

North West London to Luton Corridor Contents

Executive summary 5

1. Introduction and context 7

2. Starting point 9

3. Defining the corridor 11

4. How will it change? 19

5. Co-ordinating the growth 31

6. What are the challenges? 41

7. Rising to the opportunities 53

3 Opportunity areas Areas for Intensification Regional centre Major town centre Priority for regeneration

0 2 4 6 8 10km North West London to Luton Corridor Executive summary

North West London to Luton Corridor – successful, sustainable, co-ordinated growth

Areas for Intensification North West London represents a major growth Focused growth

Major town centre corridor, undergoing substantial private sector-led Growth within the London element of the corridor housing and economic growth. This prospectus is focused on a series of major sites. Brent Cross/ identifies the projected growth and sets out the Cricklewood, Wembley and King’s Cross are among investment needed to support a growing the largest urban regeneration projects in the population. country, with growth at locations such as West , Colindale and Harrow town centre To maximise the benefits of growth the North West also representing thousands of new homes. There London to Luton Corridor has been identified as an is also major economic development associated opportunity to promote the linkages and with this growing area. collaboration between authorities, stakeholders and partners within North West London and An accessible corridor beyond. The corridor threads through the London The success of growth will depend on ensuring high boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden and Harrow and quality transport connections. The Thameslink extends along the M1/Thameslink Corridor between programme is already underway to enhance a high- London and Luton. quality rail connection through the heart of the corridor, while the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and A commitment to growth planned improvements to the wider Underground, There is a clear political commitment to growth Overground and road infrastructure will also and renewal within the corridor. By 2026 the deliver improved capacity. Authority estimate that some 133,582 additional residents will live in Barnet, However, further capacity is needed to meet the Brent, Camden and Harrow. To meet this long term growth requirements, with associated expansion, the four are set to major improvements in key interchanges, such as accommodate 41,700 new homes between and Cricklewood. Orbital links 2007/08 and 2017/18 as defined within the London across the corridor, linking the centres of growth, Plan (consolidated with alterations since 2004). need reinforcing through the road / bus network. A further 142,300 new homes are set to be accommodated in the East of areas Maximising the potential – delivering adjacent to London, in locations such as sustainable communities and Luton (defined in the Plan, A great opportunity exists to co-ordinate efforts 2008). between the boroughs, regional and national government agencies and the private sector and to New New consider the synergies and critical mass between Site Homes Jobs projects. This must enhance the investment in the King’s Cross 2,250 25,000 social infrastructure required to support a growing Euston 1,000 5,000 population. This report starts to set out the broad West Hampstead Interchange 2,000 - requirements of the corridor and promote a 7,500 20,000 co-ordinated approach. West 2,171 - East 2,000 500 The North West London to Luton Corridor offers Colindale 10,000 500 one of the most attractive propositions to deliver Wembley City 10,000 10,000 the , to create sustainable communities South 1,500 - and offer a range of opportunities for the public and private sector to make a real difference to the lives Harrow 4,000 13,000 of existing and future residents. 5 Figure 1 North West London to Luton Corridor area.

0 2 4 6 8 10km North West London to Luton Corridor | August 08 Introduction and context 01

“… more emphasis needs to be given to issues affecting and ways of realising untapped potential there…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

The London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden Study area and Harrow have been working in partnership with The primary focus for the prospectus is the four the Strategic Alliance (NLSA), London boroughs. However, consideration is given (GLA), Transport for to a broader area incorporating much of west London (TfL) and the London Development Agency and which is seen as (LDA) to understand the co-ordination corridor key to the overall success of the corridor. between North West London and Luton/Bedford which has been identified as an opportunity within Target audience the revised London Plan (February 2008). The prospectus is intended to be used as a tool for the GLA, NLSA and the boroughs to inform Development sites within the corridor are stakeholders about the opportunities the corridor projected to deliver tens of thousands of new presents. The target audience will be wide, and will homes over the coming years. Key sites include include: Colindale, Brent Cross, Wembley, and King’s Cross. The recognition of the corridor will be critical in • National and regional government. promoting investment in social and transport • Adjoining local authorities infrastructure to deliver sustainable communities. • Funding bodies Purpose of prospectus • Private sector developers and employers This prospectus is a first step in understanding the potential of the North West London to Luton • Homes and Communities Agency Corridor. It aims to define the opportunities in the • London Housing Board corridor while: • Infrastructure providers, e.g. utilities • Exploring existing conditions and context for companies growth (local, sub-regional, regional and inter- regional). • Identifying the challenges presented by Contact details growth. For further details on the information and opportunities presented within this prospectus please contact: • Highlighting the opportunities for integration and partnership working within the corridor, Stephen King in particular among the four London boroughs North London Strategic Alliance 3rd Floor and their strategic partners. Alexandra House • Defining the London part of the corridor as the 10 Station Road basis for working with partners outside London N22 7TR London to maximise the benefits of growth across regional boundaries. www.nlsa.org.uk

7 London Luton Corridor | August 08 Starting point 02

“Planning priority: To examine ways of ensuring that outer London can play a full part in the city’s economic success…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

The North West London to Luton Corridor is an Planning for a Better London (July 2008) emerging concept identified in the Further In July 2008, the GLA published Planning for a Alterations to the London Plan (FALP). This corridor Better London, which sets out an interim does not have the formal national status of growth “Direction of Travel” for planning policy in the areas, but is a mechanism for co-ordinated capital. Planning for a Better London places planning along major transport routes to achieve, increased emphasis on the future of the “suburban” for example, best use of infrastructure investment areas of Greater London and the need for greater and optimal distribution of housing and interregional working. It therefore provides a great employment. opportunity for promoting North West London. Adopted London Plan The North West London to Luton Corridor takes forward the recommendations of the Panel Report to the Examination in Public of the Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan (September 2007), and the new policy contained within the adopted plan (February 2008).

Recommendation 3.3 (Panel’s report, FALP, September 2007) We recommend that with some urgency, and certainly before the end of 2008, arrangements are established between Authorities and Agencies on both sides of the London boundary to co-ordinate the planning of the London-Luton-Bedford Corridor.

The London Plan: Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 (February 2008) Policy 5B:1 The strategic priorities for North London Work with neighbouring regional and local authorities to develop a strategic approach to the management of locations with major growth potential broadly along the London-Luton- Bedford corridor.

Paragraph 5.28 The corridor and transport links along the London-Luton- Bedford corridor require strategic co-ordination, in particular to capture the development potential of Brent Cross, Cricklewood, Mill Hill and Colindale, which will deliver significant housing growth within this part of London.

9 Figure 2 North West London to Luton Corridor context. Defining the corridor 03 “Sub-regional boundaries need to be regarded as ‘permeable’ and must not prevent action across them (planning for ‘corridors’ of growth across boundaries)…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

The growth context Hertfordshire London and the South East are set to accommodate Much of western Hertfordshire lies adjacent to a substantial amount of housing growth over the North West London and is the focus of next decade through measures set out by central considerable growth. Watford and Hemel government in the growth areas programme and Hempstead are identified within the East of Sustainable Communities Plan (2003), as well as England Plan as ‘key centres for development and Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) including the change’, whilst the districts of , London Plan. , Dacorum and Three Rivers are all set to experience extensive growth. This prospectus seeks to identify collaborative ways of promoting sustainable growth in These areas have a direct relationship with the four accordance with growth targets. London boroughs, with high levels of commuting into and through North West London. Watford, in Inter-regional growth particular, has close functional linkages providing a In defining the corridor, consideration has been retail and employment area with direct bus, tube given to nearby areas of growth which will and rail links to London. inevitably have close links with London in terms of people, goods and services. North West London Growth in North West London provides the gateway and corridor of connection The boroughs of Brent and Barnet have already between the economic powerhouse of central been identified for special status by and these wider areas of growth. government, while Harrow and Camden are also set to experience significant growth and major There is clear potential to explore links across the regeneration projects. boundary between London and the East/South East of England and how the benefits of growth The concept of a co-ordination corridor, focussed can be maximised and spread across inter-regional on these four boroughs will assist in promoting boundaries. cross-borough working and provide potential efficiencies in infrastructure provision. Milton Keynes South Midlands (MKSM) Growth Area The MKSM Growth Area was identified as one of four growth areas (along with the Gateway, Ashford and London-Stansted- Cambridge-Peterborough) to provide 200,000 additional homes in addition to previously planned levels of growth by 2016.

There are clear physical links between North West London and the MKSM Growth Area, in particular road and rail links provided by the M1, A5, Thameslink and . The growth of Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes will therefore have implications for North West London, in terms of transport, commuting, services and employment and housing.

11 North West London is characterised by an especially diverse population in comparison with the averages for England and (as well as London).

Key characteristics North West London is characterised by a tendency Population profile towards polarisation of communities, wealth and Latest population estimates indicate that over one deprivation. This is clearly illustrated in million residents live within Barnet, Brent, Camden demographic analysis such as the London Profiler and Harrow: (www.londonprofiler.org) which places each 2001 Census output area into one of seven clusters based on the socio-economic attributes of the Barnet 328,600 residents in each area (Figure 4). Brent 271,400 Camden 227,500 The London Profiler shows clear pockets of wealth Harrow 214,600 among communities in North West London North West London 1,042,000 classified as “city living” or “prospering suburbs”. However, there are also large areas of those Table 1 Latest population projections, 2006 (Source: ONS). “constrained by circumstances” – often older communities, or those living in public housing, as North West London is characterised by an well as a vast expanse of “multi-cultural” especially diverse population in comparison with communities, typically Asian or Afro-Caribbean the averages for England and Wales (as well as communities. London). The latest mid-year population survey (Jan-Dec 2007) suggests that 41 per cent of the This demographic analysis is mirrored by the Index population of the four boroughs is made up of non- of Multiple Deprivation outputs which reveal clear white ethnic groups. Brent and Harrow have pockets of deprivation within the sub-, particular diversity with over 50 per cent of the tending to correlate with the borough boundaries, population comprising non-white groups (Figure 3). as well as major road and rail infrastructure. These include areas within Brent such as Wembley,

NW London Harrow Camden Brent Barnet London England and Wales 0 20 40 60 80 100

White: all people Mixed: all people

Indian: all people Pakistani/Bangladeshi

Black: all people Other ethnic group: all people

Figure 3 Ethnicity. North West London is diverse in terms of ethnic background when compared to London and England figures. (Source: Annual Population Survey, 2007, Nomis). , and ; areas within area is characterised by low density, semi- Barnet such as and Colindale; areas detached housing stock, typical of outer London. within Harrow such as , and East There are also a number of local authority social ; and finally, pockets around the heavy housing schemes built during the post-war period rail infrastructure adjacent to prosperous parts of to ease pressure on the capital. Camden (Figures 4 and 5). Recent development has sought to intensify Area character suburban areas, particularly those in close North West London developed during the early proximity to town centres and transport hubs. part of the 20th Century in response to Such development generally consists of high- suburbanisation brought about by the density apartments. construction of commuter railways. Much of the

13 Figure 4 Index of Multiple Deprivation – the most deprived wards tend to be located in the centre of the study area, clustered around major infrastructure including the A406 North Circular and Thameslink/ Midland Mainline railway corridor (Source: IMD, 2007).

<5% Most deprived Metropolitan Centres 5-10% Development area boundaries 11-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% 81%+ Least deprived

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 5 North West London – a zone of opportunity exists at the intersection of the four boroughs, closely related to transport infrastructure. It is within this zone that significant regeneration projects will take place with the opportunity permanently to improve quality of life.

15 Connections • King’s Cross: the southern terminus of the East The concept for the corridor centres on its excellent Coast Mainline, running north to Edinburgh. national and regional transport links (Figure 6). • St Pancras International: the southern Road terminus of the Midland Mainline, serving the The M1 is at its heart, providing a highway link and , and now between London, the East Midlands and the North. the gateway to Europe via the Channel Tunnel The M25 for example provides orbital connections Rail Link. around London linking to the M3, M4, M40, A1(M) In addition, the includes the and M11. Furthermore, the A41 connects the North London and West London Lines, which corridor to the Growth Area. provide services linking a number of North West Rail London communities served by stations such as Rail connections are also good and include four of Harrow and , Willesden Junction, West London’s mainline stations: Hampstead, Road and , and linkages to Stratford, Junction, East • Euston: the southern terminus of the West , Gatwick and Brighton. Coast Mainline, serving the , North West, North Wales and . Tube Finally, services covering • : services include the Chiltern North West London include the Metropolitan, Mainline to . Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines.

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 6 North West London to Luton Corridor – transport context.

Motorways ‘A’ Roads Railways/Underground Underground

0 2 4 6 8 10km

17 Figure 7 Inter-Regional Growth Targets (Sources: MKSM Growth Strategy; East of England Plan, 2008).

Figure 8 Housing growth in North West London 2007/08 to 2017/18 (Source: London Plan, Consolidated with Changes Since 2004, February 2008). How will it change? 04 “North West London and the M1 corridor are set to undergo substantial growth over the coming 20 years.”

Inter-regional population growth As illustrated in Table 2 below, the population of North West London and other non-London districts within the corridor is set to undergo substantial growth over the next 20 years.

Recent projections by the Office of National Statistics suggest that the population of Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow is set to grow by 17%, an increase of some 210,000 people by 2026.

Including areas in the East of England, outside of London, the population is expected to grow by nearly 410,000 by 2026.

2006 2026 % CHANGE 2006 2026 % CHANGE Barnet 328,600 391,100 16% Dacorum 138,400 149,700 8% Brent 271,400 295,900 8% Hertsmere 96,000 112,900 15% Camden 227,500 323,800 30% St Albans 131,300 151,000 13% Harrow 214,600 241,900 11% Three Rivers 85,500 100,900 15% LONDON 1,042,100 1,252,700 17% Watford 79,600 87,400 9% AREAS EAST OF 1,121,500 1,319,600 15% ENGLAND Luton 186,800 210,000 11% AREAS Bedford 154,700 190,800 19% Mid 132,200 177,700 26% NW 2,163,600 2,572,300 16% Bedfordshire LONDON TO LUTON South 117,000 139,200 16% CORRIDOR Bedfordshire

Table 2 Population growth in the North West London to Luton Corridor area (Source: ONS, 2006 – based subnational population projections, 2008).

19 Housing a growing population Implications of growth To accommodate this expanding population, Large increases in development and population 134,200 new homes are proposed within the will have significant implications for these areas corridor area to 2018 as set out within the London and the infrastructure that serves them. Careful Plan and East of England Plan ( and illustrated in management of this growth will be required, with Table 3 and Figure 8). co-ordinated effort to maximise sustainable benefits and minimise negative impacts of Although these figures were set prior to the current development. economic downturn, 41,700 new homes are to be accommodated within the four North West In understanding how the area is likely to be London boroughs, of which nearly half (20,550) will affected by population and the responses which be built within Barnet. Many of these new homes will be required, some fundamental questions must are proposed to be accommodated on major be addressed relating to new and existing residents: development sites (Figures 8 and 9). • Where will they live? East of England Areas are set to accommodate • Where will they work? 92,500 new homes, as set out within the East of England Plan (May 2008), with high concentrations • Where will they shop? of housing growth to be accommodated within • Where will they go for recreation? Luton and Bedford which form part of the Milton Keynes, South Midlands Growth Area. A significant proportion is also set to be accommodated within Hertfordshire districts, notably Dacorum (focussing upon ), St Albans and Watford.

MKSM Growth Area: Bedford/ 19,500 Kempston/ M.Vale MKSM GrowthArea: Luton/ 26,300 /H.Regis Rest of Bedford BC 1,300 Rest of Mid Bens 11,000 Rest of South Beds 1,000 Dacorum 12,000 Hertsmere 5,000 Barnet 20,550 St Albans 7,200 Brent 11,200 Three Rivers 4,000 Camden 5,950 Watford 5,200 Harrow 4,080 East of England Areas 92,500 Total 41,700

Table 3 Targets for new dwellings by 2018 Table 4 Targets for new dwellings in North West London (Source: East of England Plan, May 2008). 2007/08 – 2017/18 (Source: London Plan Consolidation with changes since 2004, February 2008).

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 8 Locations for housing growth – a polycentric approach to growth will take place within North West London, with significant numbers of new homes and jobs to be focused around existing and new centres (Source: * London Plan, LBs Barnet, Camden and Harrow.

5.000 - 10.000 homes

2.500 - 5.000 homes

500 - 2.500 homes

up to 500 homes Borough-wide * target

Figure 9 Forecast population growth – population growth in North West London is focused in several wards reflecting the polycentric growth model (Source: GLA).

Population growth 2006 to 2026

-14.51 - 0.00% 0.01 - 1.00% 1.01 - 15.00% 15.01 - 50.00% 50.01 - 128.92%

21 INSERT SUSTAINABLE HOUSING IMAGES

Where will they live? Sustainable housing development North West London already has major The immediate future will be characterised by a development schemes in the pipeline, which will much greater emphasis on environmental provide the basis for new communities. sustainability and the need to reduce carbon emissions and maximise resource efficiency. These include regeneration schemes at Brent Cross, Wembley, Colindale, Mill Hill, Harrow, West Central government has already placed great Hampstead and around rail termini at King’s Cross, emphasis on the role of house building in ensuring St Pancras and Euston. sustainable development, through the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes Figure 10 illustrates the locations of these major and the target for 100 per cent of new homes to be schemes, against ward level population growth. It carbon neutral by 2016. shows that some wards are expected to grow by up to 50 per cent (associated with the Brent Cross, Local and regional government will have a key role Colindale, King’s Cross and Wembley schemes). to play in supporting developers, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, to ensure that Figure 11 illustrates that whilst Barnet and Brent development is exemplary and meets are expected to accommodate significant housing environmental targets. development within major sites, Camden and Harrow are more dependent on smaller sites to Many of the schemes already being brought forward accommodate housing requirements. in North West London have strong environmental credentials and it will be important to ensure that sustainability benefits are maximised. This includes reducing the need to travel with a focus on the use of public transport.

Harrow Harrow Camden Camden Brent Brent Barnet Barnet 05000 10000 15000 20000 25000 0102030405060708090100%

Large sites Small sites Non self contained Vacants

Figure 12 Borough sites’ housing capacity (Source: London Housing Capacity Study, 2004).

North West London to Luton Corridor Example of sustainable construction: Horniman Museum (Source: EDAW).

Eco-demonstration homes, Building Research Establishment, Watford (Source: EDAW).

Example of sustainable housing: Upton, Northampton (Source: EDAW).

23 There are currently some 61,194 businesses in North West London employing more than 500,000 people.

(Annual Business Enquiry, 2006)

Where will they work? A majority of businesses within the corridor are that a significant proportion of the borough is within the banking, finance and insurance sector, a within the Central Activities Zone. Barnet, Brent pattern that is replicated across Greater London and Harrow are projected to accommodate (Figure 12). amounts proportionate to population growth of between 15% and 20%. Travel-to-work analysis based on 2001 Census data shows that a significant proportion of North West However, this employment growth is dependent on London residents work within the area, with a focus sites becoming available, and employment being on existing town centres such as Harrow, Wembley encouraged in the area. Where possible, and Finchley, along with specific employment areas employment growth will be accommodated in such as and Brent Cross. existing town centres and other accessible locations. The extent to which North West London Existing GLA forecasts for outer London note that could attract employees from outside London population growth is expected to be much faster in using Thameslink, Midland Mainline and other the outer suburbs than employment growth, which public transport connections, as well as the extent has clear implications for transport, sustainability to which reverse commuting might occur, should and quality of life. also be examined with partners in the East of England region. Latest GLA employment growth projections suggest that the four North West London boroughs Existing schemes within the area are set to will have higher than average growth, accommodate significant employment growth, in accommodating a significant amount of particular: Brent Cross Cricklewood, which includes employment growth between 2004 and 2016, as proposals for 20,000 new jobs in retail and almost illustrated in Figure 14. It should be noted that 400,000 sq m of office floorspace; Wembley where these figures were prepared prior to the recent 5,500 new jobs are proposed; major new economic downturn. employment areas around the King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston rail termini; as well as smaller Camden is set to see employment growth of 27 per employment opportunities as part of mixed use cent between 2004 and 2026 reflecting the fact regeneration areas.

30% Harrow Camden 25% Brent 20%

Barnet 15% 05.000 10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 10%

Manufacturing (SIC D) Construction (SIC F) 5% Energy and water (SIC C,E) Transport and 0% communications (SIC I) BarnetBrent Camden Harrow NW Greater Banking, finance, Public administration, London London insurance, etc (SIC J,K) education and health (SIC Other services (SIC O,P,Q) L,M,N) 2016 2026

Figure 12 North West London Annual Business Enquiry Figure 13 Employment projections 2004-2016 and 2004-2026 workplace analysis by sector. This illustrates a high proportion - The boroughs are all set to accommodate considerable growth of businesses within the service sector. in jobs (Source: updated borough-level employment projections (Source: ABI, Nomis, 2006) to 2026, GLA Economics, February 2007)..

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 14 Locations for employment growth to 2026 (Source: London Plan).

*

10.000 - 25.000 jobs

2.500 - 10.000 jobs

500 - 2.500 jobs

up to 500 jobs * Borough-wide target

Figure 15 and 16 Employment density Jobs density 2006 and 2026 – the number of people working in No. of jobs per square kilometre North West London is set to increase, with a focus on existing and new centres including Harrow Town Centre, Park Royal, Below 1.000 Hampstead and Brent Cross Cricklewood.(Source: GLA). 1.000 to 5.000 5.000 to 10.000 10.000 to 15.000 Above 15.000

2006 2026

25 Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden)

Where will they shop? Harrow town centre The suburban centres within North West London The Harrow Retail Study (March 2006) revealed a play a vital economic role in the provision of goods need for 29,100 sq m of comparison goods and and services, as well as offering local jobs. 5,250 sq m of convenience goods shopping in the town centre by 2016. There is also potential for In future developments, there will be an emphasis improved food shopping. on suburban centres becoming sustainable hubs around which communities will cluster. Kilburn Kilburn Square Market has been identified as a Retail growth development site and a development brief has The following major planned retail developments been issued by the . will have implications for future shopping patterns within North West London: King’s Cross Up to 45,000 sq m of new retail space will be Brent Cross available as part of the area’s regeneration, from Brent Cross Shopping Centre was one of the UK’s high street stores to independent shops, boutique first out-of-town shopping centres - built during units, and convenience stores. Around 15,000 sq m the 1970s it remains a major retail draw for North of the retail offer will be based in conservation areas West London and further afield. There are and historic buildings with planned eclectic stores, currently major plans for expanding the shopping food retail ‘clusters’ and outdoor seasonal markets. centre as part of the development of a new town centre at Brent Cross and Cricklewood. This will Edgware become a metropolitan-level shopping centre with Consent has been given for a new, mixed-use some 110,000 sq m of additional retail space, along project covering over 2 hectares in Colindale. with office, residential, leisure and associated Known as ‘399 Edgware’ it includes 33,000 sq m of transport infrastructure improvements. retail units.

Wembley Watford Areas surrounding the new stadium have been The Watford Retail Study (2005) revealed a need identified as targets for retail regeneration. The for 50,700 sq m of comparison and 7,300 sq m of 1960s Central Square Shopping Centre offers the convenience retail space by 2016 which includes opportunity for mainly replacement retail capacity for a new town centre supermarket. floorspace (consent has been granted for 6,200 sq There are no detailed plans for any improved m – a small net replacement increase of 340 sq m). provision at present. In addition, consent has also been given for 55,000 Additional retail projects sq m of retail and 45,000 sq m of entertainment Although not within the immediate corridor, the and leisure (including 14,000 sq m of designer following projects are also likely to have an impact outlet shopping) as Phase 1 of development on shopping patterns: proposals for the area.

North West London to Luton Corridor Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden)

Westfield London The largest town-centre shopping mall in Europe The West End is enjoying ongoing improvements. (and the third largest retail centre in the UK after Work has included £500 million of improvements to Bluewater and the Metro Centre), Westfield Regent Street, and proposals for the regeneration of London at White City provides 150,000 sq m of new the Oxford Street / Court Road junction retail space. The site is well connected to Willesden following confirmation of the scheme. Junction via the London Overground and is served by two Underground lines. The opening of Westfield presents a significant challenge to existing centres in North West London in maintaining local market share.

Figure 17 Shopping areas, including locations for additional retail floorspace.

Major development/ expansion

Town centre expansion

Maintenance/ improvements

27 Harrow and Barnet include areas of , and Camden is one of the greenest of the boroughs.

Where will they go for recreation? Harrow The corridor benefits from substantial areas Harrow contains more than 400 hectares of public of open space. There are significant opportunities open spaces, including 500 acres of greenbelt. to improve access to green spaces to serve the Open spaces include: , , growing population. Grimsdyke Open Space, Common, Headstone Manor Recreation Park, Park Brent Farm, , Stanmore Country Park Brent contians over 1,000 acres of public open and Streamside Reservation. Harrow also offers space including: Barham Park, /Brent one major sports and leisure centre. , , Gladstone Park, Roundwood Park, Queen’s Park and Roe . The Welsh Harp Reservoir Brent also offers four sports and leisure centres, A major asset for North West London is the Welsh plus the newly-built Northwick Park golf course. Harp Reservoir, also known as the . The total area of the Welsh Harp and its Barnet surroundings (forming part of the London Barnet has 2,466 acres of greenbelt and 690 acres boroughs of Brent and Barnet) is approximately of Metropolitan Open Land. Open spaces include: 340 acres, the actual water space being around 125 Open Spaces, Brent Park, Edgewarebury acres. The reservoir was designated a Site of Park, , Hampstead Open Spaces Special Scientific Interest in the 1960s as one of the (including Big Wood, Little Wood and the Heath), most important bird watching areas in southern , Local England with an average of about 120 species Nature Reserve (LNR), LNR, Oak Hill recorded each year. It also provides a valuable Woods and Meadow LNR, , recreational resource for North West London with Fields LNR, Woodridge LNR, Coppetts facilities for sailing and windsurfing. Wood and Glebelands. Barnet also offers seven sports and leisure centres. The potential exists to improve access to the reservoir and intensify its use for recreation. Camden Existing open spaces include: Square, Brunswick Square, Camley Street Natural Park, Coram’s Fields, Gordon Square, , Cemetery, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, , Regent’s Park, Russell Square, Tavistock Square, St James’ Gardens, St Martins’ Gardens, St Pancras Old Church Gardens and . Camden also has five sports and leisure centres.

Illustrative view of Brent Riverside park with Wembley arch in background - Brent Cross Cricklewood (source: BXC Design and Access Statement). North West London to Luton Corridor Linking green spaces It will be important to ensure that facilities for North West London are integrated with London- The potential exists within North West London to wide initiatives such as Green Grid, better utilise public open spaces and enhance the and the London LOOP. quality of existing assets. As part of this, it will be important to ensure access and linkages between existing open spaces are maximised.

Green Belt Figure18 Linking Green Spaces – the Metropolitan Open Land potential exists to better utilise existing open spaces Strategic Walking Routes and improve the environment 1 Thames Path surrounding the River Brent and its , including the 2 Jubilee Walk Welsh Harp Reservoir. 3 Lee Valley Walk 4 Capital Ring 5 London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP)

29 Figure 19 North West London to Luton Corridor growth areas.

Opportunity areas Areas for Intensification Regional centre Major town centre Priority for regeneration

0 2 4 6 8 10km Co-ordinating the growth 05 “Central, inner and outer London are inextricably interlinked - not can succeed in isolation from the others.” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

Areas for Intensification A polycentric approach Many of these sites are in close proximity to each

Major town centre Growth within the North West London to Luton other or have cross-borough boundaries. For Corridor can only be delivered through a example, Brent Cross is only two miles from polycentric approach, focussing on existing or new Wembley, whilst Colindale is located on the economic centres and transport hubs. boundary between Barnet and Brent.

There are a number of major development projects Policy 2A.6 of the London Plan identifies a number underway as part of the wider growth agenda. of ‘Areas for Intensification’ that have potential for: The majority of these are progressing in isolation increases in residential, employment and other from each other and there is a need for greater uses through development or redevelopment of co-ordination. available sites; and/or regeneration through higher densities and more mixed and intensive uses. Areas Policy 2A.5 of the London Plan identifies a number for Intensification within North West London are of ‘Opportunity Areas’ on the basis of their capacity as follows: for accommodating significant new jobs (at least 5,000) or new homes (at least 2,500). The following • Mill Hill East Opportunity Areas are located within the North • West Hampstead Interchange West London study area: In addition, significant developments are being • Brent Cross/Cricklewood/ brought forward in:

• Colindale • Harrow Town Centre • Wembley • , Brent • King’s Cross • South Kilburn • Euston Outside London, significant developments are taking place in Watford, St Albans, Luton, Hemel Hempstead and Bedford.

31 Growth will be centred on a range of development areas that vary greatly in size and character.

Key development sites in development of an interchange between the North West London existing Thameslink, Overground, and Jubilee Line North West London is being transformed by a services from three separate stations on West End number of major development schemes. Details of Lane. This will be complemented by the major schemes are set out below. development of up to 2,000 new homes.

KING’S CROSS BRENT CROSS CRICKLEWOOD Inner city regeneration A new sustainable town centre King’s Cross is one of the most significant Brent Cross Cricklewood is set to be one of the development and regeneration opportunities in biggest regeneration projects in London involving central London. The site covers 25 hectares and lies the rejuvenation of 151 hectares of brownfield land. between King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. This will create a new town centre for the sub- region and a new gateway to London. Planning permission was granted in December 2006 for 700,000 sq m of mixed-use development. The £4.2 billion scheme is being led by the private The permission includes up to 25 large new office sector, with strong public sector support and is set buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new major public to create 20,000 new jobs and 7,500 new homes. spaces, three new bridges across the Regent’s The scheme will provide a new metropolitan Canal, the restoration and refurbishment of 20 shopping centre with associated office floorspace, historic buildings and structures, and up to 1,800 schools and other community facilities as well as homes and serviced apartments. improved transport facilities. The scheme proposes EUSTON a range of sustainable features to ensure that Brent Mixed-use transport interchange Cross Cricklewood becomes a truly vibrant and Network Rail and British Land are set to redevelop environmentally robust place to live. Euston station to provide an effective mainline WEST HENDON station and transport hub. The redevelopment of Estate renewal the station is set to be the catalyst for the The West Hendon regeneration scheme is centred regeneration of some 6 hectares of land for which around the existing West Hendon estate and the the London Plan sets a target of 1,000 new homes section of the A5 on the boundary of Brent and and 5,000 new jobs by 2026 (subject to increased Barnet. The scheme forms part of the Cricklewood, transport capacity). Brent Cross and West Hendon Regeneration Development is likely to include community scheme but will progress independently of the facilities and open spaces. A planning framework larger project. The proposals for West Hendon will has been produced by Camden Council, and a see the creation of a new integrated community planning application is expected in 2009, with and the replacement of the existing estate with up work commencing after the 2012 Olympic and to 2,171 units of mixed tenure housing, 1,000 sq m Paralympic Games. of commercial floorspace, a new town square, improved transport links, a range of new WEST HAMPSTEAD INTERCHANGE community facilities and economic and social Improved connections regeneration initiatives. The London Plan identifies West Hampstead as an area of intensification, with a significant development opportunity based around the

North West London to Luton Corridor Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden).

MILL HILL Council is preparing an Area Action Plan for A new, successful 21st century suburb Colindale which will provide a framework and Mill Hill East is a 48ha brownfield site located spatial plan to guide the development of the area adjacent to the greenbelt. Over the coming 15-20 to 2021. It will contain guidance on sustainable years the site is to be developed to include around development, address land use issues, and identify 2,000 new homes and accommodation for 500 the key infrastructure improvements needed to new jobs. support the delivery of growth in Colindale.

There will be a mix of different housing types with WEMBLEY CITY an emphasis on larger family houses and A world class destination affordable housing, supported by new community Wembley is undergoing a process of and education facilities, local retail provision and transformation with a major mixed-use scheme green spaces. being delivered by Quintain Estates focused on the new and refurbished Arena. COLINDALE Enhanced suburb Some 7,500 new homes are to be constructed, Colindale presents a major regeneration and along with new leisure facilities, a hotel, offices, sustainable development opportunity in Barnet civic centre, and retail outlet park. and is identified in the London Plan (consolidated The scheme will provide new primary and with alterations since 2004) as an Opportunity secondary schools, health and community facilities, Area with a capacity for 10,000 new homes and as well as improved transport infrastructure. 500 new jobs.

Colindale (Source: LB Barnet). Harrow College (Source: LB Harrow).

33 Wembley City (Source: LB Brent).

SOUTH KILBURN This initiative is being taken forward by a Community-led regeneration partnership including the strategic health South Kilburn is an area dominated by social authority, primary health trusts, the city council, housing in the south of Brent. South Kilburn has EEDA and Watford Football Club. been identified as a New Deal for Communities Hemel Hempstead area and a primary focus for regeneration in Brent, Policy LA2 of the East of England Plan identifies following years of decline and deprivation. that Hemel Hempstead requires the provision of The regeneration scheme proposes 1,500 new 12,000 new homes and substantial employment homes plus 1,500 replacement homes along with a growth. The plan states that this should ‘capitalise new primary school and two new healthy living on strategic links to Watford, proposed major centres replacing three medical centres. development at Brent Cross/Cricklewood and elsewhere in London, Luton and Milton Keynes’. HARROW TOWN CENTRE Metropolitan town centre renewal Milton Keynes Harrow town centre is one of ten Metropolitan Milton Keynes is set to undergo substantial growth Centres identified within the London Plan and is a to become a city the size of Cardiff. Major mixed major focus for development within the borough. use redevelopment is being undertaken within the Some £3 million is proposed to be spent on public central area, with urban extensions set to realm improvements and significant Section 106 accommodate some 45,000 new homes. contributions are anticipated for public transport St Albans improvements. A new college is St Albans is set to undergo city centre renewal to proposed for 4,000 students and around 1,000 support future growth. new homes are to be provided within the town centre in coming years. Luton Luton is subject to significant development activity A need for up to 29,000 sq m of retail floorspace including town centre gateway and town centre has been identified and a development brief has regeneration, business development and the been prepared for work focused on an improved expansion of Luton Airport. Consideration is being transport hub around station. given to several urban extensions. Key development sites beyond North West London Bedford Significant development is currently being Major development is also taking place within the undertaken in Bedford including town centre London to Luton Corridor area outside of London: expansion comprising up to 47,000 sq m of Watford comparison retail, over 1,000 residential units and Up to 79,650 sq m of new comparison retail leisure facilities; office development adjacent to floorspace is expected in Watford town centre to the railway station and the development of the 2021, along with associated housing growth. ‘i-vita’ enterprise hub focussed on the sport, fitness, health and well-being business sector. There are currently plans to develop a Health Campus on a 26.5-hectare site in West Watford. This will include Watford Hospital and Watford Football Club.

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 20 Key development locations within North West London.

Brent Cross/Cricklewood Kings Cross Euston Colindale/Oriental City/Hendon Wembley Mill Hill East Harrow town centre West Hampstead Interchange South Kilburn NDC

Illustrative views of High Street North and Brent Cross Main Square (Source: BXC Design and Access Statement).

35 Improved connections From 2011, the Overground will link with the North West London is becoming better connected. extended Line at and As part of the growth agenda, a number of , providing connections to South East transport infrastructure projects are proposed London and creating the beginnings of an within the study area. orbital service.

Rail improvements London Underground As shown in Figure 22 there are set to be significant London Underground is undergoing a major increases in rail capacity across the corridor area upgrade that is expected to increase capacity by through the following improvements. more than 30% (Figure 21). The Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines are all in the Thameslink process of being upgraded. This will include A £5.5bn upgrade of the Thameslink has begun. signalling improvements to increase the frequency Thameslink runs between Bedford and Brighton of service on the Northern and Jubilee lines, new and will see the following improvements between rolling stock on the Bakerloo and Metropolitan now and 2015 of direct consequence to the corridor. lines and refurbished stations. This is part of the There will be: Public Private Partnership upgrade of the wider • New rolling stock; London Underground network. • More trains (up to 50 per cent more services on Crossrail some routes); Although the first phase of Crossrail does not pass within the study area, it will have profound • Interchange with international Eurostar implications for travel across the capital. New services at St Pancras; interchanges to the cross-London underground • New connections to , and railway will link North West London with the new ; line at Farringdon (via Thameslink), Tottenham • Station improvements and platform Court Road (via the ), Bond Street extensions; (via the Jubilee Line), and (via the Bakerloo Line). • A new Thameslink station to serve the Brent Cross Cricklewood development.

London Overground Network total Bakerloo Line The London Overground was launched in 30 at 2022 32.5% Northern Line part 2 Network total November 2007 following the takeover of several District Line at 2018 25% London railways by TfL, including the London per cent ) Circle, & City 20 and Metropolitan lines Euston to Watford Junction local line and the (Willesden Junction to Clapham Line Picadilly Line 10 Junction via Olympia), both of which Waterloo & Northern Line City Line fall within the corridor area. Willesden Juction acts into central London ( Jubilee Line 0 as a hub for Overground services (and interchange Cumulative increase in peak capacity 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 with the Underground), whilst a number of stations are located within the corridor. The West Figure 21 Capacity increases on London Underground London Line Service provides a link to Watford and (Source: TFL Business Plan 2008). . Note: Circles show percentage increase in peak capacity from 2006 for each individual line. Dates shown are the latest possible contractual dates under the Public Private Partnership. Current plans generally suggest earlier delivery of upgrades. North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 22 Proposed transport improvements within the Corridor.

Railways/underground Underground Crossrail Channel Tunnel Rail Link upgrade

37 There are numerous proposals to improve other public transport modes in the sub-region.

West Hampstead Interchange Other public transport improvements As noted above, an improved interchange is In addition to rail improvements, there are proposed between the three separate stations at numerous proposals to improve other public West Hampstead (Jubilee Line, Overground and transport modes in the sub-region. These include Thameslink). The proposal involves rebuilding the the following: section of West End Lane between the stations and Improved bus services the provision of a walkway linking the three As part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme, a existing stations. At present West Hampstead dedicated bus service is proposed to provide good Interchange is yet to secure funding. levels of public transport accessibility around the site. This has the potential to be linked to wider bus Capacity increases are proposed on the Chiltern service improvements. Line out of Marylebone and between Watford New bus stations and Euston. Brent Cross Cricklewood and Harrow town centre are keen to accommodate proposed new state-of- the-art bus stations, providing high levels of

Figure 23 Transport improvements within Development Schemes.

Key project Channel Tunnel terminus Interchange/access improvements Railway station improvements LUL station improvements Bus station improvements New rail station New bus station

North West London to Luton Corridor accessibility, as well as real-time information, • M1/M25 widening; service interchange and high quality passenger • A new M1/A406 junction; facilities. Kings Cross, Euston, Wembley, Mill Hill and West Hampstead are all due to have enhanced • New junctions and road connections as part of bus interchange facilities. the Brent Cross scheme; Road infrastructure • A new east-west road across the Mill Hill site linking Bittacy Hill and Frith Lane as part of the The current TFL Business Plan (2009/10 - 2017/18) Mill Hill Area Action Plan; and sets out to significantly improve London’s roads by enhancing the efficiency of the most important • Small scale improvements to the A406, signals, increasing road capacity, reducing delay including enhanced signaling and provision of and improving pedestrian provision where possible. at-grade pedestrian crossings between Road and Falloden Way, There are a number of highway infrastructure including Henlys Corner. improvements expected within the corridor area in coming years, including:

Figure 24 Improved regional, national and international connections to/from North West London.

39 London Luton Corridor | August 08 What are the challenges? 06

To realise the significant growth potential of the Within the corridor as a whole, patterns of corridor, a number of challenges must be addressed. movement follow a north-south bias, providing regional and national connections to and from Challenge: Improving local connections central London. Similarly, the main local movement The corridor currently benefits from excellent opportunities for people living in North West regional, national and international connections London are between local transport hubs and with a number of transport improvement schemes central London. in the pipeline. There are a number of existing transport initiatives However, there are major challenges ahead in that seek to capitalise on the north-south ensuring that essential transport improvements are movement corridors. However, a key challenge for brought forward. Significant public and private coordinated growth within the area will be to sector funding and promotion will be required if ensure that improvements are made to east-west schemes such as Crossrail, West Hampstead orbital connections, together with high quality Interchange and other station improvements are to public transport linkages between existing town be delivered. centres and future development sites. There will also be a need for significant investment Transport challenges need to be addressed by new in highways infrastructure in order to accommodate development to improve local connections and growth. In particular, further works may be required enhanced cohesion between existing and future to the A406, A5, and M1 as the population grows. centres of population and commerce in North West London.

Figure 25 Need for improved local connections between the four boroughs.

41 Enhancing public transport accessibility Addressing bottlenecks and capacity Car ownership in North West London is Traffic congestion is set to increase in future and particularly high and car journeys represent a this will be of particular concern for North West significant number of additional trips. London, with major roads such as the North Circular and A5 often running at capacity. While many of the major town centres have good public transport accessibility, a number of areas As well as initiatives to reduce local trips by car, are poorly served. It will be important to ensure through improving access to public transport, it that all new developments in North West London will be important to undertake initiatives such as enhance public transport connections and addressing key bottlenecks in the strategic road facilities. A key principle must be to encourage a network, and identifying capacity problems. reduction in car use and to make public transport Improving links to the outer more attractive. There is already a range of initiatives to improve Detailed transport work needs to be undertaken, connections with the immediate outer but initiatives could include express bus routes metropolitan area, with upgrades to the between centres, e.g. Wembley / Brent Cross Metropolitan Line between North West London and other town centres, with improved facilities and Watford, and the M1 widening programme. and information.

North West London to Luton Corridor Further consideration should be given to how these links can be enhanced to connect with the wider corridor hinterland.

Associated with this will be a requirement to ensure that increased opportunities for employment are provided in outer areas to assist in reducing the need to travel.

Local links – cycling and walking The importance of walking and cycling must be recognised when planning for expansion. Developments must be safe and easy to navigate on foot. The Mayor of London is currently seeking to establish 900km of safe cycle routes within the London Cycle Network and attempts must be made to ensure that local routes are created which link with this, and the National Cycle Network.

Figure 26 Public transport accessibility in North West London (Source:TfL).

PTA Level 1a 1b 2 3 4 5 6a 6b

43 Ensuring that growth is planned in an integrated fashion creates the potential for a critical mass that improves the deliverability of sustainable infrastructure.

Challenge: Making growth sustainable • Managing overheating; The growth agenda within the North West London • Ensuring energy efficiency; to Luton Corridor is ambitious and will put pressure on existing infrastructure and scarce resources. • Reducing carbon emissions.

Sustainability is at the heart of national, regional Sustainable resources and local planning and development policy. There are very clear drivers to encourage development to Energy be environmentally, socially and economically The London Plan seeks to encourage a 20 per sustainable, in particular: cent reduction in carbon emissions through the sustainable use of energy including using • The effects of , and likely impact less energy, supplying energy efficiently, on the environment; and incorporating renewable energy within • Emerging sustainable technologies becoming new developments. This will include the increasingly available and sophisticated; following initiatives:

• Tougher EU and UK legislation, particularly • Use of combined cooling, heat, and power through building regulations; (CCHP) and combined heat and power (CHP) • Rising consumer awareness; systems; • Global resource scarcity, particularly with • Providing local networks for CCHP and CHP regards to fuel and energy. systems to link up a number of developments; The co-ordination of development projects within • Optimising potential for on-site renewable the corridor may provide opportunities to create energy generation; the crtical mass required for the delivery of major • Photovoltaic and solar water heating. sustainable infrastructure such as district All new development should include elements of heating and cooling, local energy generation the above. The potential for shared area-wide CHP and distribution. and CCHP may be possible between development Sustainable development schemes and is already proposed within the Brent UK government policy and the London Plan call for Cross, King’s Cross and Wembley schemes. A site all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016. wide Harrow town centre facility linking all new To achieve this, the following requirements have major development is also planned. been identified: Water supply • Ensuring the most efficient use of land and In accordance with the London Plan, development existing buildings; must have regard to the impact of proposals on water demand and existing capacity. In particular • Ensuring construction resource efficiency; projects must: • Use of locally sourced materials; • Minimise the use of treated water; • Use of sustainable building materials; • Reach cost-effective minimum leakage levels; • Minimising energy use (through passive solar design, natural ventilation, green roofs etc.); • Maximise rainwater harvesting opportunities;

North West London to Luton Corridor On site energy generation at 400 (Source: LB Brent).

• Introduce targets for water recycling in major The London Plan encourages waste minimisation, developments; recycling, composting and the development of new and emerging advanced conversion technologies • Promote the use of dual potable and grey for waste. New developments within North West water recycling systems; London should seek to assist in these aims. • Promote the provision of additional sustainable water resources in a timely and efficient Organising for sustainability manner, to reduce the water supply deficit and It will be important for all stakeholders to be pro- achieve a security of supply in London; active in ensuring environmentally sustainable development. North West London authorities • Maintain and upgrade the infrastructure; should engage with partnerships such as the • Be developed in close consultation with London Climate Change Agency, London Energy infrastructure providers. Partnership, London Climate Change Partnership, London Hydrogen Partnership, utilities companies, Flood risk and the waste authorities to ensure a consistent Large areas of Brent, Barnet and Harrow are within and collaborative approach is integrated with the the flood zone of the River Brent and its tributaries. development process. It will be important to ensure that flood risk is managed and minimised within these zones and throughout the wider area. This will include the provision of Sustainable Urban Systems (SUDS) and the minimisation of run-off.

Waste management Figure 28 illustrates the volume of waste arising from North West London boroughs, and shows that municipal and commercial/industrial waste is set to rise from 1.7 million tonnes in 2010 to 2.1 million tonnes in 2020.

2500000

2000000

1500000

1000000

500000

0 2010 2013 2015 2020

Figure 27 North West London waste arisings 2010-2020 in tonnes per annum (Source: London Plan 2008, Table 4A.3, p 229).

45 Cooperation between boroughs and partnerships and between public and private bodies is essential.

Challenge: Reducing inequalities Challenge: Co-ordinating delivery There is a clear disparity within the sub-region There is a real opportunity to transform this zone between ‘city suburbs’ (desirable and prosperous and address the inequalities through a considered residential areas located towards the outer edges and integrated approach to the development sites of the boroughs), and the area that lies between to be found here. Together, the sites are crucial to where deprivation is relatively high. transforming the sub-region as a whole, meaning that cooperation between boroughs and This ‘zone of opportunity’ follows the major partnerships, and between public and private infrastructure corridors and the administrative bodies, is essential. boundaries of the four boroughs. It contains the majority of the various re-development opportunities in the corridor, previously outlined.

Figure 28 Figure 29 North West London Corridor North West London corridor ‘zone of opportunity’. development sites.

North West London to Luton Corridor Academy, Brent. (Source: LB Brent)

Challenge: Providing the necessary Major schemes including Wembley City, Brent Cross social infrastructure Cricklewood and King’s Cross are all to include A balanced provision of land uses and services is a considerable social infrastructure provision key feature of sustainable communities and cities. including new schools, Primary Care Centres and The provision of social infrastructure is an other community facilities. important element in the development of There will be a need to ensure that adequate sustainable communities. Population growth in provision is made across the corridor and this may the corridor will have profound implications for be efficiently provided through collaboration social infrastructure facilities. between developers, the four boroughs and other A preliminary analysis of social infrastructure stakeholders such as Primary Care Trusts. requirements using best practise standards has It will be important to ensure that social been undertaken based upon GLA population infrastructure is provided in the most appropriate projections for North West London. locations. Social infrastructure should be provided in This identifies considerable social infrastructure locations close to the population served, ensuring needs arising from new developments including: facilities are well used and the need to travel by private transport is minimised. • 21 primary schools.

• 6 secondary schools.

• 74 GPs.

• 313 police officers.

• 320 hospital beds. 1

1 The analysis has been carried out through the use of an EDAW developed model entitled the London Social Infrastructure Framework (LTGSIF) Model. This model was developed as part of a project for the NHS Healthy Urban Development Unit (HUDU) and CLG whereby a methodology for assessing social infrastructure requirements was developed for use throughout the London Thames Gateway boroughs. The analysis covers five social infrastructure sectors: Education, Healthcare, Community space, Leisure and Re creation and Emergency and Essential Service.

It should be noted that this is a high level social infrastructure analysis and presents only the potential gross social infrastructure demand which could be as- sociated with population growth as projected by the GLA’s Data Management and Analysis Group. •It does not take into account capacity at existing facilities.

47 Type of Infrastructure Requirement (Cumulative) to 2026 Assumption Source Nursery schools 7 from total nursery population LLV Regeneration Study include: 20% 0 year olds, 20% 1-2 year olds, 45% 2-3 year olds, 80% of 3-4 year olds. 2 FE Primary schools 21 1 form entry size equal to 210 children Form Entry size from Department for aged 4 to 10. Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Assumes 5% of pupils are in standards. education through non-LEA provision. 9 FE Secondary schools 6 1 form entry size equal to 150 children Form Entry size from Department for aged 11 to 15. Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Assumes 5% of pupils are in standards, education through non-LEA provision. GPs 74 Based upon one GP per 1800 persons. Department of Health (DOH) Standard Dentists 67 Based upon one dentist per 2000 School for Health, University of Bath, persons. May 2004 Hospital beds 370 Based upon 1 acute bed per 480 Thames Valley Health Authority persons and 1 other bed (inc. mental health) per 1430 persons.. Sports centres 10 Based upon 0.294 sq.m of sport hall Sport England Sport Facility space per 1000 persons. Calculator Swimming Pools 6 Based upon 10.23 sq.m of pool water Sport England Sport Facility per 1000 persons and 53 sq.m of Calculator water per lane. Large Community 8 Based upon 61 sq.m of community Milton Keynes Council SPG – Social Centres space per 1000 persons. Infrastructure Planning Obligations Large Libraries 2 Based upon 26.5 sq.m of community Department for Culture, Media and space per 1000 persons. Sport (DCMS) 2000 standard plus LTGSIF research uplift Playing fields (hectares) 265 Based upon 12 sq.m playing fields per NPFA Open Space Standards person; Police Officers 213 Based upon 1 police officer per 297 Police officer strength by Basic persons (maintaining the current Command Unit, 31 March 2007, The provision – averaged across the CAZ London Boroughs).

Table 5 Standards and requirements for social infrastructure in North West London.

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 30 Potential requirement for gross increase in social infrastructure provision in the four boroughs to 2026.

49 Challenge: Making the most The ‘Green Arc’ initiative should also be promoted of green infrastructure within the area. The North London SRDF states that The corridor is well-provided with green this initiative promotes the positive management infrastructure. However, the spaces are not evenly and use of the London urban fringe to provide a distributed with the majority being greenbelt on good quality environment for people and wildlife the northern edge of the four boroughs. through partnership working. The sub-region should work to promote positive uses for the More central areas of the corridor have a lower greenbelt whilst meeting its statutory purposes. level of provision and lack of access is a major issue. These positive uses could include improving the A good example is the Welsh Harp Reservoir – a quality and accessibility of the land, conserving and major space that is little used. enhancing the value and supporting Improving access to green infrastructure is vital initiatives that contribute to sustainable and the Brent River corridor provides a potential development, including renewable energy, focus for the creation of a linked regional park. It floodwater retention and water gathering areas. could become a recreational and ecological resource providing access to green spaces along its length while connecting more central areas to the greenbelt.

Hampstead Heath (Source: EDAW).

North West London to Luton Corridor Figure 31 Green infrastructure opportunities in North West London.

51 North West London to Luton Corridor | August 08 Rising to the opportunities 07

“We will look at whether there are ways of promoting better joint arrangements between sub-…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

A highly connected and A comprehensive approach to prosperous sub-region development and infrastructure This is a highly accessible area – already well The opportunity to ensure high quality, sustainable connected and with significant transport infrastructure requires the co-ordination of improvements in the pipeline. The corridor’s development sites and transport projects. This can international connections by air and rail make it be achieved by key stakeholders working together. unique within the larger region and should be fully Working together exploited and promoted. Collaborative working should be promoted between If local challenges to connectivity can be overcome, all London boroughs, outside London districts, and the required social infrastructure can be regional and national government agencies and the provided, the opportunities for creating truly private sector with an interest in the corridor. This sustainable communities are great. may include a collaborative approach to Local Development Framework (LDF) plan making. The corridor offers unique potential to create a highly dynamic and desirable place to live with This will result in significant resource efficiencies, good access to services, training and employment, funding opportunities, and the effective delivery of a wide range of housing, accessible open space and infrastructure requirements to ensure the leisure facilities, and increasing prosperity. successful, sustainable and co-ordinated growth of the North West London Corridor.

Figure 32 Environment Working in partnership. Agency

Boroughs Regional bodies t of Partners A, Eas Englan EED d, e of London Di tsid stri Ou cts

Homes + Harrow Barnet Communities UK Government Agency Brent Camden

G ity OL or , Gr uth eater London A

Infrastructure Developers Providers

53 North West London to Luton Corridor 55 For further information contact: Stephen King North London Strategic Alliance 3rd Floor Alexandra House 10 Station Road London N22 7TR

www.barnet.gov.uk

www.brent.gov.uk

www.camden.gov.uk

www.harrow.gov.uk

www.london.gov.uk

Produced by:

www.nlsa.org.uk North West London to Luton Corridor