Strategic Development Unit

Introduction

The purpose of the strategic development unit is to secure the strategic regeneration of Barnet, by working with other service areas and external private, public and voluntary sector partners and agents to develop policy, to devise strategy, to secure funding and to deliver regeneration initiatives in key areas. The unit has a statutory or contractual obligation to lead and deliver a range of projects, as well as providing a supporting role to other service areas on key projects or maintaining a watching brief on projects.

There are two operational functions within the Strategic Development Unit, each with their own Lead Officer:

Major Regeneration Projects

, and West Regeneration Area Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Scheme Estate Regeneration Scheme Stonegrove and Spur Road Estate Regeneration Scheme Estate Regeneration Scheme Strategic Economic Development and Sub-Regional strategy

Strategic Property Advice

The unit works closely with a number of internal departments including planning, and offers specialist advice and guidance to other departments delivering regeneration and renewal activities.

The unit provides advice on the recruitment of consultancy and related services through a Frame Contract 13709. It also contributes to the management of the contract (review of procedures, monitoring, and liaison with Panel members) on behalf of all departments which use the Frame Contract to procure consultancy services.

Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon Regeneration Area

The vision The regeneration of Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon is a £2.5 billion regeneration scheme with a vision to “create a new gateway for and a vibrant urban area in Barnet”

The and the Authority have identified the Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon area as a major opportunity for regeneration in the borough over the next 20 years. The council is seeking to take advantage of the area’s strategic location in north London and its support for the regeneration of the area is demonstrated through the inclusion of a dedicated chapter in the draft Unitary Development Plan which provides the framework within which this regeneration can take place. In addition, the area’s importance as a north London sub-regional area is recognised in the ’s (February 2004) which sets out a policy development programme for significant redevelopment of the area.

A key part of the vision for the area is the creation of a new town centre incorporating up to 10,000 homes, retail and leisure space. There will be an emphasis on sustainability with the establishment of a new main line railway station, major improvements to public transport provision and a range of community facilities.

The regeneration area The area today has a number of physical, environmental and social constraints. Industrial areas, major roads and infrastructure combine to produce a harsh environment. A shortage of facilities for the community combined with a high degree of reliance on the private car adds to local constraints.

Bringing about change The regeneration scheme is being driven forward by a partnership comprising the council, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and major developers and investors in the area. In April 2004, the council adopted the Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon Development Framework as interim Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). The framework was drawn up in collaboration with the council’s partners and in consultation with local residents, community groups, businesses and statutory organisations.

In July 2005, the council consulted on a draft addendum to the Development Framework to identify future development uses for the Eastern Lands, an area featuring the Whitefield Estate, Mapledown and Whitefield Schools and Hendon Leisure Centre. The proposals were adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by Cabinet in December 2005 and the Eastern Lands now features as a character area in the Development Framework.

Strategic Principles The Development Framework includes the key strategic principles for future development in the regeneration area and will serve as a working document to guide developers, prospective purchasers and investors in the creation of detailed development proposals. These will need to be consistent with the principles set out in the framework if they are to be supported by the council. The following is a summary of these principals:

a new town centre with major new shopping and leisure development as part of a comprehensive mix of uses a range of employment uses located around a new transport interchange in the region of 10,000 new homes a commitment to the provision of affordable housing and places of local employment for the existing and new communities improvements or additions to existing community facilities as part of the creation of a sustainable community (including health and education) an additional main line railway station new bridges across the A406 and the Midland Mainline Railway a new High Street to integrate the areas to the north and south of the A406 North Circular Road a new Market Square a new food store a new bus station with modern facilities and improved services a high quality transit system from Cricklewood Station to Brent Cross Shopping Centre and Brent Cross Underground Station via the new town centre improvements to the highway network including a new road junction on to the A41 to provide access to the Eastern Lands improved pedestrian connections to existing public transport, particularly Brent Cross Underground Station, including two new pedestrian bridges across the A41 and the A406 provision of freight facilities provision of strategic waste handling and recycling facilities for local residents improvements to the and links to the Welsh Harp Reservoir the provision of new public open space, enhancement of the existing green spaces and links to established neighbourhoods a fully accessible street network that positively encourages the use of public transport, walking and cycling over the car a comprehensive approach to regeneration that embraces implementation on both sides of the A406 North Circular Road concurrently a commitment to deliver sustainable development a deliverable solution with measurable benefits for everyone

When will the scheme start? The outline planning application for the Cricklewood and Brent Cross area is due to be submitted towards the end of 2006. Due to the size and complex nature of the scheme, the determination of the planning application by the council will take some time. Therefore it is likely that development will not commence until at least the latter part of 2007.

Although part of the Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon regeneration scheme, the regeneration of West Hendon is progressing independently. Further information relating to West Hendon is included later in this document.

Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration The Dollis Valley regeneration scheme lies to the north of the borough at High Barnet, the last stop on the . The estate is on a south facing slope within an area of traditional suburban housing with excellent views across the adjacent Green Belt - is considered to be of high quality and designated as both Heritage Land and a Countryside Conservation area. The estate was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s and comprises two and three storey houses and five storey blocks of flats and maisonettes. For years the estate has suffered from many of the problems typical of post war estates. In December 2003 Warden Housing (part of the Home Group, one of the largest registered social landlords in the UK) was chosen by residents and the Council to take forward the regeneration.

The Regeneration Programme The regeneration of Dollis Valley estate will see the demolition of 436 flats and maisonettes and the provision of new affordable rented and shared equity homes for existing residents and homes for sale on the open market, including shared ownership. On completion, the programme will deliver up to 1,100 new homes. A public square with retail and community facilities will be central to the new neighbourhood and create a link with the Green Belt.

The Planning Framework In February 2005 Barnet’s Cabinet approved the first stage of a Development Framework for the estate, the Dollis Valley Vision Statement. It sets down the guiding principles and policies which form the parameters for the development of the Masterplan. A copy of the Vision Statement can be found online at : http://www.barnet.gov.uk/index/environment-planning/regeneration/regeneration- projects/regeneration-dollis-valley.htm Hard copies are available from the LBB Strategic Development Unit.

The Masterplan The ‘Masterplan’ sets out the design and layout of the new neighbourhood, including new housing, community facilities and improved roads and access. Following consultation with residents and stakeholders, it is proposed that the new neighbourhood will have a traditional streetscape to support its integration into the surrounding suburban environment. The proposals seek to minimise the demolition necessary. The houses to the south of the estate, at Crocus Field and Meadow Close, will be retained and brought up to the "Decent Homes Standard" as part of a modernisation programme led by Barnet Homes. A Planning and Development Forum for residents and stakeholders of the Dollis Valley Estate and the wider community will be held and form part of the Planning Framework. An Outline Planning Application is expected to be made in 2007.

Grahame Park Estate Regeneration

Overview

Grahame Park is Barnet’s largest housing estate with 1,777 homes built by the GLC in the 1970s. Although the estate is popular with many early residents, significant problems arose due to the concentration of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and because of the estate’s design which isolates it from the surrounding areas.

The regeneration proposals for Grahame Park form a central part of the Development Plan. These plans will reorientate the estate, connecting it with the surrounding area and integrating homes and services with complementary developments in the area.

Background and scheme proposal

The Council in partnership with Choices for Grahame Park, a subsidiary of the Genesis Housing Group, are working to develop and implement detailed regeneration proposals. A radical rebuilding programme is planned to transform this estate over the next 15 years. Approximately 3,000 new homes will be built. The estate is being remodelled with new community and retail facilities, whilst retaining approximately 25% of the existing homes that were built in a more traditional layout.

The regeneration proposals were offered to the residents for a test of opinion in 2003, and there was a strong vote of support from across the estate, with a high turnout (68%) and 79% voting in favour of the proposals.

The Housing Corporation has earmarked £15 million Social Housing Grant to fund the provision of 159 affordable homes on advance adjacent sites, so enabling the early re-housing of residents in the first phase of properties scheduled for demolition. In addition, Central Government has awarded £7 million from the Opportunity Borough Fund to improve access in and out of this area. This, along with contributions from both the Grahame Park and RAF East Camp developments, will fund the replacement of the two railway bridges across Aerodrome Road.

The regeneration will be implemented on a phase by phase basis, dependent on satisfactory re- housing of existing residents before their homes are demolished, with a significant programme of sales of new high quality private homes.

Current situation The council’s Planning and Environment Committee approved the outline masterplan for the regeneration of the whole estate in September 2004. The council’s Cabinet approved the Heads of Terms for the regeneration contract between the council and Choices for Grahame Park in October 2005. Almost 100 households have already been moved into the adjacent Adastral development. Detailed planning consent has been obtained on the first area of development – Harriot and Hawfinch. These blocks have been vacated and transfered to Choices for Grahame Park, demolition took plack in early 2006.

Stonegrove and Spur Road Estate Regeneration

Background

Stonegrove and Spur Road Estates are situated in the north–west of the Borough adjoining the London Borough of Harrow. The estates are surrounded by traditional suburban housing to the east, west and south, and to the north lies the green belt. The estates have many of the problems associated with post war public housing, including poor access and parking arrangements, and are not suitable for improvement.

The proposal

The regeneration scheme is being carried out in partnership with Family Housing Association, and Unitary Ltd. Barratts have recently joined with Unitary and will be providing additional financial support and experience to the scheme.

The regeneration of the estates will see the demolition of all 603 flats and maisonettes and the provision of new affordable rented and shared equity homes for existing residents and homes for sale on the open market, including shared ownership. Resident support for proposals has been strong. In August 2003, 75% of estate households turned out to vote for the regeneration scheme; 88% voted in favour.

A recent review of the regeneration programme has been undertaken that encompassed an appraisal of the original masterplan, the financial viability of the project and other associated matters. In February 2006, the council agreed a revised approach that will lead to a smaller scheme than originally proposed. A new design process will commence shortly: The types of new buildings, their heights and numbers, the time taken to re-house people and roads and access will all be reassessed through this process.

On completion, the revised regeneration programme will deliver up to 1000 new homes, overlooking the Green Belt and integrated into the surrounding area. This proposal will develop a high quality environment replacing and improving supporting facilities and infrastructure.

The Academy

At the heart of the estates is the old School. The regeneration plans are linked to the replacement of the school with premises for a new City Academy. New playing fields will be situated across the road from the school, with direct access from the new Academy by a footbridge. The magnificent new facilities offered by this new building will also be enjoyed by residents under a Community Access Plan.

The new playing fields and the new academy building will free up a large part of the current school site. This land asset will help fund and fuel the regeneration of the existing council estate. Land from the academy will be passed to the regeneration programme in the Autumn of 2006.

West Hendon Regeneration Scheme Estate Regeneration

Overview The West Hendon regeneration scheme is centred round the existing West Hendon estate and the section of the A5 known as the Broadway which runs alongside the estate. The scheme forms part of the Cricklewood, Brent Cross and West Hendon Regeneration scheme but will progress independently of the larger scheme. The proposals for West Hendon will see the creation of a new integrated community and the replacement of the existing estate with new mixed tenure housing, a new town square, improved transport links, a range of new community facilities and economic and social regeneration initiatives. The regeneration scheme is being carried out in partnership with Metropolitan West Hendon (MWH) which is a consortium made up of Metropolitan Housing Partnership and Barratt Homes. Metropolitan Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord and Barratt Homes which is part of the Barratt Group, one of the largest house builders in the country. In July 2005 the Council granted outline planning consent for the scheme and construction work is likely to begin in 2007/08. Background The West Hendon area sits separately from the rest of Barnet and north west London. It is sandwiched between the and the railway and the Welsh Harp reservoir. The town centre needs rejuvenation and there is a high turnover of businesses based on the Broadway. The local road network needs improving to provide better access to the estate. The 680 homes on the West Hendon estate, built in the 1960s, no longer meet contemporary standards and the communal areas need redesigning. Some residents believe the estate is not safe. There are a range of existing community facilities in the area not all of which are well used. The area does have good transport links to the M1 and to and is within easy reach of Brent Cross shopping centre. It has the advantage of one outstanding local amenity - being situated beside the Welsh Harp reservoir and adjoining open spaces much of which are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Metropolitan Open Space and Site of Metropolitan Importance. Barnet Council has adopted "The Three Strands Approach" for the development and regeneration of the borough. The approach is based around the three strands of protection, enhancement and growth. West Hendon is identified as an area of growth. The proposals The outline planning consent allows for the building of up to 2,171 new homes which will meet a wide range of housing needs. The homes will be mainly apartments provided in medium rise blocks. Some higher blocks are planned as well as some houses. A total of 684 homes will be affordable, mainly for rent but with some shared equity/ownership homes. All the remaining homes will be for sale on the open market. The new additional homes in the new neighbourhood will lead to a stronger and more sustainable community with a broader range of economic activity. The proposals envision a new high-denisity neighbourhood with a mix of housing types from terraces of housing to medium and high rise flats and maisonettes. There will be a balance of tenures, including a range of intermediate housing options, and the different tenures will be integrated across the development. The new town square will provide the principal gateway to the residential areas and to the new park and the amenities around the Welsh Harp. New shops including a supermarket are being provided along the Broadway. The increased size of the neighbourhood’s population will help make the new shopping centre more sustainable.

Strategic Economic Development and Sub-Regional Strategy

The unit is responsible for managing and developing relationships with key funding bodies, such as the London Development Agency, to take advantage of opportunities for local regeneration. The unit works with a number of London-wide and sub-regional bodies, including the North London Strategic Alliance and North London Limited (the inward investment agency established in 2004)

The unit will identify and co-ordinate a cross-cutting strategy for N12 (North ) and other town centres aimed at business support and environmental improvements. The unit will work with partners to stimulate regulated evening economy activities in identified areas across the borough

The unit is progressing the development of a cross council strategy for employment and training that recognises the impact of the regeneration projects. The unit is working with sub-regional partners to secure funding and with local partners to deliver the opportunities.

The unit has managed the delivery of the Single Regeneration Budget 6: Putting Heart into Grahame Park, currently the unit is finalising all audits and scheme closures.

Strategic Property Advice

The unit provides Property, Valuation and Disposal advice on the Major Housing Regeneration Projects, Cricklewood Regeneration and the Barracks site, including working with the Head of Housing, developers and Registered Social Landlords to achieve early outputs in line with the Council's overall objectives.

Property, valuation and disposal advice is provided to deliver the programmed objectives within the Primary Schools Capital Investment Programme and Building Schools for the Future.

Property, monitoring and valuation advice is given in connection with the Elderly Persons and the Learning Disabilities accommodation reprovisioning partnerships.

Strategic property advice to support the accommodation strategy and various town centre projects.

Pursuing major capital receipt property disposals including dealing with planning and covenant issues.

Identifying strategic redevelopment/disposal opportunities which may arise from 'partnership' working with others - both the private sector and other public sector organisations.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT CONTACTS

Name Contacts Lorraine Butler 020 8359 7278 Head of Strategic Development Head of [email protected] Unit Strategic Development Unit Jonathan 020 8359 7126 Head of Major Regeneration Lloyd-Owen jonathan.lloyd- Projects Regeneration [email protected] Manager Dave Stephens 020 8359 7353 Head of Strategic Property Strategic [email protected] Advice Property Advisor Roger Arkell 020 8359 7130 Project Director [email protected] Anne Byrne 020 8359 7189 Project Director [email protected] Caroline 020 8359 7814 [email protected] Project Director Andrew 020 8359 7131 Westcott [email protected] Project Director Carmel Dillon 020 8359 7671 Project Officer [email protected] Ann Frankel 020 8359 7809 Project Officer [email protected] Angela Latty 020 8359 7188 Project Officer [email protected]

Jill Rennie 020 8359 7281 Senior Officer: [email protected] Policy & Research Jane Saunders 020 8359 7285 Senior Officer [email protected] Jodie Yandall 020 8359 7975 Senior Officer [email protected] Sarah 020 8359 7280 Robinson [email protected] Executive Assistant Debbie Watson 020 8359 7248 Administrator [email protected]