08/10/2013

LB of Brent: "Burnt Oak, Colindale and The Hyde regeneration"


Link to web site

"Burnt Oak/ Colindale, once home for a very important community focal point, Oriental City/ Yaohan Plaza, is one of the five growth areas in Brent.

"It is identified as a growth area for around 2,500 homes, on sites arranged along the axis of Edgware Road (A5).

"All those new developments in the Growth Area when complete will improve the area immensely and bring in new jobs. However, they should not be looked at in isolation with the rest of the Burnt Oak and The Hyde Town Centres.

"We endeavour to maximise the results of inward investment and ensure the new developments help revitalise and do not threaten the existing town centres.

"With the A5 corridor marking the boundary between Brent and Barnet, there are opportunities for both boroughs to work closely to transform the area together."

30/07/2013

Barnet Press: "College looks to move around Grahame Park estate" (constantly?)


Link to web site

"A NEW college site is being proposed for the Grahame Park estate.

"Barnet and Southgate College has plans to move from their current campus in Grahame Park Way to a plot closer to Colindale Tube station."

London 24 (Barnet Times): "Redevelopment of Peel training centre in Hendon given go-ahead, says Met"


Link to web site

"The Metropolitan Police Service says it has been given the go-ahead to redevelop a historic training centre in north London.

"A statement from the force said the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) secured a resolution yesterday to grant consent from Barnet’s planning committee to rebuild the Peel Centre site in Colindale.

"It is one of five Met Regional Learning Centres, and the redevelopment will see outdated, inefficient facilities replaced by 20,000 square metres of new, flexible training and operational space, which will accommodate around 2,000 officers and staff."


20/07/2013

Andrew Dismore AM: "Overdevelopment in Colindale designed on back of an envelope"



"[Answers from the Mayor regarding the Peel Centre] show just how little thought has been given to the continuing over-development in Colindale, which will see another 10,000 homes being built. But that is not the end of the story.

"Mayor Johnson has identified Colindale as a key 'Opportunity Area', but has not considered the consequences before doing so. In addition to the Peel Centre site, we now know that Barnet College is closing its Grahame Park way site, with the intention of more homes, 'the Pulse' site behind Colindale station has permission for yet more homes, and the British Library site is not going to be far behind.

"The answers from the Mayor show that there is little thought given to the essential infrastructure required: health, transport, utilities, roads, leisure facilities, or education. For example: the proposed three-form primary school is needed already and what about secondary schools? The tube station is overcrowded at busy times, now. Residents need GPs now. Discussions may be going on, or being planned, but that is too little, too late. These vital issues should have been worked out beforehand, not as afterthoughts.

"And it is clear that the council and the Mayor do not give two hoots for the existing and long-standing residential community, whose needs and rights are seen as an inconvenient irrelevance by the Conservatives."

19/07/2013

Andrew Dismore's 'Questions to the Mayor', about Peel Centre, Colindale



Peel Centre #1
Question No: 2014 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Will you make available space on the Peel Centre site for free school premises, in addition to the proposed primary school?
Written response from the Mayor
MOPAC is currently disposing of surplus land on the Peel Centre site, and there is a requirement for a three form entry primary school (plus nursery) to be provided there.
Once a developer has been identified for the land the planning process will ensure future consultation will take place.

Peel Centre #2
Question No: 2015 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What additional health services will you make available for residents on the redeveloped Peel Centre site?
Written response from the Mayor
There are no additional primary healthcare services proposed as part of the development of the Peel Centre site. Once a developer has been identified for the land the planning process will ensure future consultation will take place.
New health facilities will be provided in the Colindale Avenue Corridor of Change, complemented by re-provided facilities at the Grahame Park Estate. We understand that London Borough of Barnet is working with NHS Barnet to plan services and facilities which will consider national and local health strategies.

Peel Centre #3
Question No: 2016 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What steps are you taking to upgrade Colindale tube station, in light of the extensive development in the area, including your proposals for the Peel Centre site?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2025 /2013.

Peel Centre #5
Question No: 2018 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Will you keep the existing running track as part of the redeveloped Peel Centre as a valuable community facility?
Written response from the Mayor
This will be for the chosen developer of the surplus land at Peel Centre to determine. Once a developer has been identified for the land the planning process will ensure future consultation will take place.

Peel Centre #7
Question No: 2020 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What assessment have you made of the ability of the public utilities to meet the demands of the extensive development in Colindale, including your proposals for the Peel Centre site?
Written response from the Mayor
Studies have already commenced to ensure the existing infrastructure can cope with the proposals and mitigation measures will be introduced when necessary.

Peel Centre #8
Question No: 2021 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What assessment have you made of the impact on the existing resident population of the extensive development in Colindale , including your proposals for the Peel Centre site?
Written response from the Mayor
The Peel Centre scheme forms part of the London Borough of Barnet’s Colindale Area Action Plan (AAP) which assesses the needs of the current and future residents of the area in a strategic manner.  The Plan anticipates the construction of 10,000 new homes in the area over the next 10 – 15 years to meet borough-wide and London requirements.
A number of studies, including transport, have been conducted to support the AAP to ensure the area is suitable for the planned investment. It is for the Local Authority to consider any town planning applications submitted in regard to the Peel Centre Site.
As outlined in my 2020 Vision, I have identified Colindale as a key Opportunity Area.

Peel Centre #9
Question No: 2022 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What account have you taken of the interests of the existing resident population of the extensive development in Colindale , in putting forward your proposals for the Peel Centre site?
Written response from the Mayor
The Peel Centre site, along with other key development areas in Colindale which form part of the London Borough of Barnet’s Colindale Area Action Plan (AAP), have been subject to a full consultation process with local residents and neighbouring parties.  MOPAC has submitted a planning application for new policing facilities.
Once a developer has been identified for the land the planning process will ensure future consultation will take place.

Peel Centre #10
Question No: 2023 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
How many and what proportion of the new properties you propose for the Peel Centre site will be made available only to local people for social rent?
Written response from the Mayor
This will be for the chosen developer of the surplus land at Peel Centre to determine, working with the London Borough of Barnet.  Once a developer has been identified for the land the planning process will ensure future consultation will take place.

Peel Centre #11
Question No: 2024 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
How many and what proportion of the new properties you propose for the Peel Centre site will be made available only to local people for affordable purchase?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2023/ 2013.

Peel Centre #12
Question No: 2025 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
In light of the extensive development in Colindale, including your proposals for the Peel Centre, will you support the proposal for the Brent Cross Light Rail/Tram project?
Written response from the Mayor
The Peel Centre development raises a number of issues for the transport network in the Colindale area. TfL is in discussions with the developer and Barnet Council as to how best to address these. This work will focus on potential improvements to Colindale Station, improvements to bus services and changes to the local highway layout.

17/07/2013

Barnet Times: "Work underway on Capitol Way regeneration scheme in Colindale"


Link to web site

"Work has begun on a new housing quarter inspired by Swedish design.

"The £108m development in Capitol Way, Colindale, is being carried out by developers Royal London Asset Management and Kitewood Development Partner Ltd.

"The scheme, inspired by an urban regeneration project in Stockholm called Hammarby Sjöstad, will consist of 460 apartments arranged around an open space."

18/06/2013

Barnet Times: "Tower blocks form final phase of Colindale Hospital housing development by Fairview New Homes"


Link to web site

"Two large tower blocks will be added to a major housing development on the former Colindale Hospital site after final-phase plans were approved last night.

"Fairview New Homes will erect the buildings of between five and nine storeys, containing 157 flats, on the Colindale Avenue site.

"The plans also include 242 square metres of commercial space for shops and offices, as well as car parking and landscaping."

30/05/2013

Construction Enquirer: "Mace tipped for £35m Hendon Police training college"




Mace is set to be picked out of the line-up of contractors [get-it?] chasing a £35m building contract for new police training facilities in north London.

The new Metropolitan Police training centre in Colindale, Hendon will replace the existing Peel Centre in Aerodrome Road and is being planned as part of a full-scale overhaul of the force’s land holdings.

A wider regeneration programme is planned which will eventually see land given up for new homes, shops and a primary school. [Don't be too sure.]

According to projects sources several firms including Bam Construct and Geoffrey Osborne were chasing the big rebuild project but Mace Projects is now favourite to take the deal.
The new training centre will involve demolition of existing buildings and construction of two buildings, with one up to four storeys in height. Architect on the project is Bennetts Associates.
Mace will also be responsible for the relocation of the Grade II Listed Sir Robert Peel Statue and Police Call Boxes as well as creating a new memorial garden.

Jane Bond, director of property services for the Metropolitan Police, said:
”Our Hendon Training Centre has a reputation as one of the world’s leading police training facilities, with a long proud history. If planning permission is granted, our proposals will enable us to provide suitable training facilities for future generations of police officers.

We will also create an opportunity for the remainder of the 73 acre site to be opened up for the benefit of the public at some point in the future.” [Does that mean a grubby property deal?]

28/05/2013

Barnet Times: "Brent Council approves Edgware Road Oriental City development"


Link to web site

"A plan to redevelop the derelict Oriental City site into homes and shops was approved at a council meeting last night.

"Brent Borough Council formally backed proposals by developer Development Securities to regenerate the seven-acre site at 399 Edgware Road, which closed in June 2008 and has fallen into disrepair.

"The development, which will create more than 800 jobs, will include a new 80,000sq ft Morrisons supermarket, 183 new houses and flats and new oriental and far eastern retail and restaurant space."


09/05/2013

Barnet Times: "Plans for new Metropolitan Police training centre submitted to Barnet Borough Council"


Link to web site

"The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime has submitted its plans to build a new Metropolitan Police training centre in Colindale.

"MOPAC will replace the existing Peel Centre in Aerodrome Road if the planning application is given the go-ahead by Barnet Borough Council.

"The application seeks to create new training and operational space, housing approximately 2,000 officers and staff on the site."




"The Peel Centre project team is pleased to inform you that the London Borough of Barnet has registered the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) planning application for the redevelopment of the Peel Centre site in Colindale.

"The application seeks permission to develop new training and operational facilities fit for 21st century policing. The new facilities will replace the current outdated buildings and make more efficient use of space, housing a similar number of staff to current levels on a much smaller site.


"The Met’s proposals represent the fourth evolution of the Peel Centre site since it was first developed in the 1930s, highlighting the ever-changing needs of the Metropolitan Police.


Our first public exhibition in September 2012 showed proposals for the new police facilities alongside an emerging masterplan for the wider site which would form part of a separate planning application. In recognition of the need to replace the existing police buildings and the longer timescales that apply to the wider regeneration, it was decided to re-phase the two applications. As a result, the second exhibition, held in March 2013, focused only on the new MOPAC facilities.

"Throughout the eight months of public consultation; over 190 people attended the exhibitions, around 50 people submitted written comments on the proposals and the consultation website had over 7,000 unique visitors. Many local residents and stakeholders expressed their support for the plans and indicated that they understood the need for change. In response to feedback received during the consultation, MOPAC and the Metropolitan Police Service decided to retain Building 36, a building of historical interest from the site’s days as the Hendon Aerodrome.


"The planning application for the Peel Centre site has been registered by the London Borough of Barnet under reference number H/01571/13. A related application regarding the relocation of the Grade II Listed Sir Robert Peel Statue and Police Call Box Structure has been registered under reference number H/01613/13.


"I hope you find this update helpful. If you would like any further information please email us at comments@peelcentresite.co.uk or phone 0800 881 5288 and leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you.


"The public consultation period ends on 29 May 2013."

23/03/2013

Peel Centre: Pre-Application Consultation




Second public exhibition:
Focused solely on new training and operational facilities for the Metropolitan Police Service

"We want to hear from you. Please send your comments to:
FREEPOST, PEEL CENTRE SITE

"We will need to receive comments by Friday 12 April 2013.
Alternatively you can get in touch with the project team with any questions, by email to: comments@peelcentresite.co.uk or phone 0800 881 5288."



The earlier consultation, about the whole site:




09/03/2013

Barnet Press: "Fury over parking restrictions"


Link to web site
"RESIDENTS at a new housing block in Colindale are furious over new parking restrictions imposed by the firm managing the estate.

"...A spokesman for Crabtree, which manages the estate on behalf of developer Fairview, said:
"The scheme was a planning restriction imposed by Barnet Council in order to prevent misuse of the available parking bays by non-residents such as those using the nearby tube station.

We have issued a permit to each leaseholder to use in any unallocated bay on a first come first serve basis in accordance with the parking strategy plan. Every household is entitled to a parking permit and visitor permits are available upon request."

06/03/2013

Barnet Times: "Mum-of-one plans to set up a community association for Colindale and Burnt Oak"


Link to web site

"A mum-of-one is eager to set up a community association to 'improve and develop' Colindale and Burnt Oak.

"Cherry James moved to Braemer Gardens, Colindale, nine months ago with her five-year-old son Jaden and her husband Lincoln.

"Despite loving her new home, she thinks the area could be rejuvenated with the help of a ready and willing residents group."

23/02/2013

Barnet Times: "Grahame Park Estate in Colindale given £30,000 pot for clubs and activities"


Link to web site
"Community groups on Barnet’s biggest council estate can bid for a share of £30,000 to set up their own clubs and activities.

"The pot has been put on offer by housing association Barnet Homes and Genesis, which is overseeing a £450million regeneration of the Grahame Park Estate in Colindale."

20/02/2013

"The Market vs Planning – Who’s Kicking Out Ugly?"


Link to web site

"With the greatest respect to the people of Colindale, it’s one of those places that has been pretty badly served over the years by the property development industry and the planning system when it comes to high quality urban design and place making. Unfortunately it hasn’t got a centre, which is always a bad start for a place.

Your first sight and site as you leave the tube is a pretty horrendous new Fairview development of the old hospital. I’m not picking on Fairview because, despite their poor reputation, they have another smaller scheme just down the road which, while simple, is reasonable. This development is surrounded by older housing, but there are a couple of other big new developments, one by St George (part of the Berkeley Group) called Beaufort Park, and one by housing association Genesis regenerating the old Grahame Park Estate.

"There are also some huge potential sites, including the site of the existing Barnet College and various large bits of Metropolitan Police land. Colindale is officially a growth area, with plans for 10,000 new homes and room for more. It also has some high-quality jobs and a pretty good location with Tube and Overground as well as road access and, for those who need it, it’s just a fifteen minute bus ride from Brent Cross.

"Now it’s not really Colindale’s fault, but you take your pick between the development industry and the planning system to allocate blame. The fundamental problem is that each site has been designed in complete isolation from each other, so the basic of creating a decent town centre for this rapidly growing population has been completely missed."

06/01/2013

"E.ON is working with FairView New Homes to save up to 44% in CO2"


Link to E.ON

"E.ON is working with Fairview New Homes to deliver low carbon energy to 1,067 homes, 300 bed hotel, commercial units and various leisure facilities, at Colindale, London, as part of a major redevelopment project.

"Under an Energy Services Company (ESCo) agreement, E.ON will design, build, operate and maintain a decentralised energy centre."