18 August 2022
Summary:Major estate improvement and regeneration scheme in Barnet moves closer to completion.
This week, we celebrated a new milestone in the estate improvement and regeneration of the Westhorpe Gardens and Mills Grove Estate in Hendon. Progress on the scheme was marked by a topping out ceremony attended by dignitaries including Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley and Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings.
The five-year regeneration project, led by MTVH working in partnership with Hill and Barnet Council, with the support of funding from the Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme, replaces the former 1960s estate with 251 new genuinely affordable homes. The affordable-led scheme includes 103 affordable rented homes offered to all tenants of the existing estate at the same rent levels they currently pay, together with shared ownership and specially-designed homes for people aged over-55.
The Westhorpe Gardens and Mills Grove estate improvement and regeneration is the first scheme to have been approved by a resident ballot under guidance set out by the Mayor of London. Following a public consultation, a ballot of residents about the plans was held in 2019, receiving 75% approval from residents. The topping out ceremony marks further progress towards delivering on the wishes of local residents.
The ceremony celebrated construction works on Bream Court reaching the highest point on the last building to be completed in phase 1 of the development. Bream Court is a new collection of 33 homes for social rent allocated to existing residents of Westhorpe Gardens and Mills Grove. The event was also attended by residents who will move into new homes at the scheme, colleagues from MTVH and representatives of the main constructor Hill.
Built to the high standards of sustainability, the development has been designed with air source heat pumps for heating and a green roof. The wider development incorporates green spaces and play areas offering extensive public outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
Guy Palmer, Director of Regeneration at MTVH, said: “This major project makes a significant contribution to affordable new homes in the borough, which are so desperately needed. We are proud to be helping shape a revitalised community where local people have had a real say and the result is an inclusive and desirable place to live.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development said: “I am delighted to see the progress being made by MTVH and Hill on delivering the genuinely affordable homes Londoners so desperately need.”
“The regeneration of this estate has taken place with the co-operation and support of local Barnet residents who will now get to enjoy these new high-quality homes for many years to come.”
Assistant Director of Development Delivery at Barnet Council, Abid Arai said: “The scheme delivers a significant number of improved homes for our residents and reflects the significant wider growth, which is taking place across the whole of the borough.”
Simon Trice, Regional Managing Director at Hill, said: “We are very pleased with progress in the delivery of the project and to mark the topping out milestone. This regeneration not only provides an increase in the number of affordable homes available locally, but is a significant upgrade in accommodation for existing residents, offering them a better quality of life. The construction schedule is on track and we expect the first completions early next year.”