12 August 2024
Summary: Topping out ceremony marks a major milestone for Phase Two of the regeneration project.
A Topping Out ceremony at our regeneration project at Westhorpe Gardens & Mills Grove, held on Friday 2nd August, signified the laying of the final bricks and completion of the Phase Two of residential block 1.1 at the Westhorpe Gardens & Mills Grove development. It was attended by representatives from development partners Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), The Hill Group and construction partners the VKE Group, and Potter Raper.
Phase Two follows the successful completion recently of Phase One which has seen 79 households return to their new homes after construction. Phase Two will now see the creation of 172 homes including those for social rent and shared ownership as well as one residential development at Westhorpe Gardens & Mills Grove that is specifically for those aged over 55s. When completed in 2026, the whole scheme will have replaced and upgraded all 102 social rent homes originally on the site and provided an additional 149 affordable properties for the local community.
This is a five-year regeneration project, led by MTVH working in partnership with The Hill Group and Barnet Council, with the support of funding from the Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme. It is the first regeneration scheme to have been approved by a resident ballot under guidance set out by the Mayor of London. A ballot was held in 2018 with our plans receiving 75% approval from residents.
Community engagement has formed an integral part of the design process. With many people on housing waiting lists in London, this borough is no stranger to the challenges many face in finding an affordable home and the regeneration at Westhorpe Gardens & Mills Grove will help to alleviate some of the pressures currently facing the local community.
Guy Palmer, Director of Regeneration at MTVH said, “This Topping Out Ceremony is a significant milestone in the development of the scheme and is a wonderful example of engaging the community in shaping the area they live. Westhorpe Gardens has brought partners together to create an affordable and environmentally friendly development where people can enjoy living in their much-improved energy efficient homes.”
Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “I’m thrilled that the second phase of development is now completed at Westhorpe Gardens and Mills Grove, six years after it was approved by local residents in the first ballot of its kind under the Mayor’s good practice guidance.
“This collaboration between City Hall, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing and our delivery partners will transform the estate with new, better quality genuinely affordable and social homes, alongside improved green spaces and community spaces, for many years to come – helping to build a better London for all.”
Cllr Ross Houston, Barnet Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration said: “We are very pleased in Barnet to take account of residents’ views on how regeneration shapes their homes and estates, and this has been at the forefront of the regeneration work at Westhorpe Gardens. Collaborative efforts between our partners and the community have meant that this regeneration incorporates extensive green spaces, community gardens and allotments, later living accommodation, play areas, and a pedestrian friendly design.
“Barnet Council is delighted that additional affordable, high-quality homes are being provided in the borough through this regeneration scheme. All residents deserve to live in homes that are safe, affordable and of the highest quality.”
Simon Trice, Regional Managing Director for The Hill Group said: “It is a pleasure to continue our partnership with MTVH and Barnet Council to deliver these homes for the local community on the next phase of Westhorpe Gardens. At a time London boroughs face significant challenges in providing much needed high-quality housing for residents, these 251 homes will greatly help to alleviate this need. Additionally, the energy-efficient homes we are building will reduce monthly outgoings and keep bills low.”
The Topping Out for Phase Two of the scheme also includes 92 mature trees being retained. The wider development incorporates extensive public outdoor space for residents to enjoy. And these new homes benefit from EPC rating B with high-performance windows. These energy efficiency improvements will provide residents with significant energy bill savings.