20 Jul Optivo and Countryside to deliver 873 homes in Barnet

Housing association Optivo and housing developer Countryside have partnered to deliver 873 new homes in Barnet, with 60% earmarked for affordable housing.

The development be across two sites in Barnet – the former Hendon Metropolitan Police training centre and driving school in Colindale.

The new homes will include one, two and three-bed apartments, with high-quality green spaces offering recreational space for residents.

The scheme will include cycling facilities and a nursery for childcare.

work is expected to begin in summer 2023 for completion in 2029.

Optivo and Countryside were selected for the project by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Paul Hackett, chief executive at Optivo, said: “We’re delighted the Mayor of London has chosen our partnership to turn this disused land into a thriving community, and we’re pleased to be partnering with Countryside who have a history of creating sustainable places, where people love to live.

“We’re proud that 60% of the homes are affordable, helping Londoners off waiting lists or onto the housing ladder.

“We’re looking forward to working with Countryside and City Hall to bring these plans to life.”

Mike Woolliscroft, chief executive – partnerships south at Countryside Partnerships, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Optivo to deliver 873 mixed-tenure new homes in Colindale.

“Each site has been carefully considered to maximise cohesion and connectivity in what will be a thriving new community. This includes incorporating community-led uses with complementary social impact funding to build capacity of key local organisations.”

Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, said: “I’m delighted that City Hall and MOPAC have selected this partnership to deliver nearly 900 high quality homes in Barnet, 60% of which will be genuinely affordable.

“This development, in an area undergoing an exciting period of transformation, will not only provide hundreds of the genuinely affordable, high-quality homes that Londoners deserve, it will also foster a strong sense of community with retail facilities, community spaces, and a nursery for young families.

“I look forward to working with partners on these plans and seeing this ambitious vision become a reality.”