Tory MP Bob Blackman is rallying against the development of towers that would provide nearly 4,000 homes in Edgware, north London, claiming they would “add more pressure to already strained local services”.
The MP for Harrow East has launched a petition and supported a protest on Thursday against 25 towers being built on the 10.3ha site, one of which will be 29 storeys high. The site is not within his constituency.
The proposed £1.7bn redevelopment of Edgware town centre would include 3365 new homes and 460 for student accommodation, as well as half a million sq ft of commercial space.
Ballymore is working in partnership with the property arm of Transport for London (TfL), TTL Properties, on the scheme to “reviltalise” the area “as a vital and vibrant north London destination”, according to developer Ballymore’s plans.
But Mr Blackman claimed the area was already suffering from overdevelopment and services would be strained, adding that the towers would “radically change Edgware’s landscape”.
He said the proposals are an “utter disgrace” and “must be stopped” in a social media post promoting the protest this week.
Thank you to everyone who has signed my petitions to #SayNOToTheEdgwareTowers ❌ Tomorrow there is a rally to #SaveOurEdgware outside the Railway Hotel, details are below 👇 The proposals are a total disgrace and must be stopped ⛔️ https://t.co/rOqWkTOXsk pic.twitter.com/KeOsHlYfF9
— Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) August 16, 2023
Ballymore acquired the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, next to Edgware Underground Station, in July 2020.
Following initial discussions with the London Borough of Barnet, the developer said it is “considering potential options for the redevelopment of the site with high-quality new homes and retail, public realm and green spaces and community and leisure facilities”.
On its website Ballymore said: “We will be consulting widely with the local community to understand their priorities for the town centre and the Broadwalk in the coming months.”
The development would be carried out on the site of the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, its car park, and the bus station and garages adjacent, according to Housing Today.
The development is estimated to generate an £80m annual boost to the local economy when complete, Housing Today said.
TfL and Barnet Council has been approached for comment.
A spokesperson for Ballymore said: “Over the last three years, we have worked closely with the Edgware community and multiple stakeholders to gain their insights around how the development can best serve the local community as well as meet local needs. These contributions have been invaluable in guiding the design process and prompting significant adaptations.
“The project will deliver nearly 3,500 new homes, including up to 1,100 affordable homes, creating hundreds of new jobs and spurring economic opportunity across the local area at a time when London needs new housing more than ever. The proposals include a range of improvements for the local community too, such as a new cycle hub and opening up access to the new 4.7 acre Deans Brook Nature Park.
“We recognise the need for the development to come forward with significant amounts of infrastructure so the proposed scheme will deliver £1.7billion of investment in the local community, unlocking benefits that local residents have said are sorely needed.
“Significant and extensive engagement with the aforementioned stakeholders will take place before development commences and we will continue to work with local people as we deliver a thriving future for Edgware.”
