Prospectus for Sustainable Co-ordinated Growth

1

North West London to Luton CorridorProspectus for Sustainable Co-ordinated Growth

January 2009

North West London to Luton Corridor

This prospectus provides a summary of the scale of opportunity within the North West London to Luton Corridor. The report sets out how the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow are working together with regional and national government to ensure a shared approach to this major concentration of housing and employment growth.

The drive to increase housing supply and provide people with affordable places to live is a real challenge – a challenge heightened by current economic problems. Clearly within the UK (and beyond) there is a major slow down in development activity, predicted to continue in the coming year. However, we believe that we have the economic and policy building blocks in place to deliver our long-term aspirations. The private sector is leading the development of the corridor and have made its long-term commitment clear.

By 2026 over 133,500 additional residents will live in Barnet, Brent, Camden and Harrow, equivalent to a city the size of Peterborough, with much of this growth focused on a corridor of major regeneration sites. King’s Cross, Wembley and Brent Cross / Cricklewood are among the UK’s ten largest regeneration schemes, with other key sites such as Colindale and Harrow town centre all representing major private sector commitment and billions of pounds of investment. While the report focuses on London, we also recognise the major growth to our north and look forward to working closely with these partners.

We have much of the key infrastructure in place, with increases in capacity planned or already occurring. For example, Thameslink services will have £5.5bn invested in them by 2015, with longer trains, improved stations and new routes, while Transport for London investment will see increased capacity for Underground services, including on the Jubilee, Northern, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines. The area already benefits from a range of long-established excellent schools and hospitals, as well as major green spaces.

However, more co-ordinated investment will be needed to provide the services required to create truly sustainable communities. In the short to medium term the Housing and Communities Agency will need to ensure pro-active investment to support housing delivery. In addition a range of partners will need to ensure the additional interchange improvements, enhanced transport capacity, education, health and leisure services for a growing population.

But this is not just a housing growth corridor - it is also an economic growth corridor. The major growth in the retail, service and knowledge economies already planned for must support London’s growth, as well as tackling some of the serious social issues that lie within and adjacent to this corridor.

We do not underestimate the challenges ahead, not least in these difficult economic times. However, the document demonstrates our commitment to work in partnership to deliver the coordinated approach required. We invite both the public and private sector to join this partnership and help us realise the opportunities this corridor presents.

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London

Cllr Michael Freer

Leader, LB Barnet

Cllr Paul Lorber

Leader, LB Brent

Cllr Keith Moffitt

Leader, LB Camden

Cllr David Ashton

Leader, LB Harrow

Foreword

3

Con

ten

ts

Executive summary

1. Introduction and context

2. Starting point

3. Defining the corridor

4. How will it change?

5. Co-ordinating the growth

6. What are the challenges?

7. Rising to the opportunities

5

7 9 11 19 31 41

53


Opportunity areas

Regional centre

Priority for regeneration

Areas for Intensification

Major town centre

0 2 4 6 8 10km

5

North West London represents a major growth

corridor, undergoing substantial private sector-led

housing and economic growth. This prospectus

identifies the projected growth and sets out the

investment needed to support a growing

population.

To maximise the benefits of growth the North West

London to Luton Corridor has been identified as an

opportunity to promote the linkages and

collaboration between authorities, stakeholders

and partners within North West London and

beyond. The corridor threads through the London

boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden and Harrow and

extends along the M1/Thameslink Corridor between

London and Luton.

A commitment to growthThere is a clear political commitment to growth

and renewal within the corridor. By 2026 the

Greater London Authority estimate that some

133,582 additional residents will live in Barnet,

Brent, Camden and Harrow. To meet this

expansion, the four London boroughs are set to

accommodate 41,700 new homes between

2007/08 and 2017/18 as defined within the London

Plan (consolidated with alterations since 2004).

A further 142,300 new homes are set to be

accommodated in the East of England areas

adjacent to London, in locations such as Watford

and Luton (defined in the East of England Plan,

2008).

Executive summary

Focused growthGrowth within the London element of the corridor

is focused on a series of major sites. Brent Cross/

Cricklewood, Wembley and King’s Cross are among

the largest urban regeneration projects in the

country, with growth at locations such as West

Hampstead, Colindale and Harrow town centre

also representing thousands of new homes. There

is also major economic development associated

with this growing area.

An accessible corridorThe success of growth will depend on ensuring high

quality transport connections. The Thameslink

programme is already underway to enhance a high-

quality rail connection through the heart of the

corridor, while the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and

planned improvements to the wider Underground,

Overground and road infrastructure will also

deliver improved capacity.

However, further capacity is needed to meet the

long term growth requirements, with associated

major improvements in key interchanges, such as

West Hampstead and Cricklewood. Orbital links

across the corridor, linking the centres of growth,

need reinforcing through the road / bus network.

Maximising the potential – delivering sustainable communitiesA great opportunity exists to co-ordinate efforts

between the boroughs, regional and national

government agencies and the private sector and to

consider the synergies and critical mass between

projects. This must enhance the investment in the

social infrastructure required to support a growing

population. This report starts to set out the broad

requirements of the corridor and promote a

co-ordinated approach.

The North West London to Luton Corridor offers

one of the most attractive propositions to deliver

the London Plan, to create sustainable communities

and offer a range of opportunities for the public and

private sector to make a real difference to the lives

of existing and future residents.

Site

New HomeS

New JobS

King’s Cross 2,250 25,000

Euston 1,000 5,000

West Hampstead Interchange 2,000 -

Brent Cross Cricklewood 7,500 20,000

West Hendon 2,171 -

Mill Hill East 2,000 500

Colindale 10,000 500

Wembley City 10,000 10,000

South Kilburn 1,500 -

Harrow 4,000 13,000

North West London to Luton Corridor – successful, sustainable, co-ordinated growth


Major town centre

North West London to Luton Corridor | August 08

Figure 1North West London to

Luton Corridor area.

0 2 4 6 8 10km

7

The London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden

and Harrow have been working in partnership with

the North London Strategic Alliance (NLSA),

Greater London Authority (GLA), Transport for

London (TfL) and the London Development Agency

(LDA) to understand the co-ordination corridor

between North West London and Luton/Bedford

which has been identified as an opportunity within

the revised London Plan (February 2008).

Development sites within the corridor are

projected to deliver tens of thousands of new

homes over the coming years. Key sites include

Colindale, Brent Cross, Wembley, and King’s Cross.

The recognition of the corridor will be critical in

promoting investment in social and transport

infrastructure to deliver sustainable communities.

Purpose of prospectusThis prospectus is a first step in understanding the

potential of the North West London to Luton

Corridor. It aims to define the opportunities in the

corridor while:

Exploring existing conditions and context for •

growth (local, sub-regional, regional and inter-

regional).

Identifying the challenges presented by •

growth.

Highlighting the opportunities for integration •

and partnership working within the corridor,

in particular among the four London boroughs

and their strategic partners.

Defining the London part of the corridor as the •

basis for working with partners outside

London to maximise the benefits of growth

across regional boundaries.

Study areaThe primary focus for the prospectus is the four

London boroughs. However, consideration is given

to a broader area incorporating much of west

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire which is seen as

key to the overall success of the corridor.

Target audienceThe prospectus is intended to be used as a tool for

the GLA, NLSA and the boroughs to inform

stakeholders about the opportunities the corridor

presents. The target audience will be wide, and will

include:

National and regional government.•

Adjoining local authorities•

Funding bodies•

Private sector developers and employers•

Homes and Communities Agency•

London Housing Board•

Infrastructure providers, e.g. utilities •

companies

Contact detailsFor further details on the information and opportunities

presented within this prospectus please contact:

Stephen KingNorth London Strategic Alliance3rd FloorAlexandra House10 Station RoadLondonN22 7TR

www.nlsa.org.uk

Introduction and context 01“… more emphasis needs to be given to issues affecting outer London and ways of realising untapped potential there…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

London Luton Corridor | August 08

9

The North West London to Luton Corridor is an

emerging concept identified in the Further

Alterations to the London Plan (FALP). This corridor

does not have the formal national status of growth

areas, but is a mechanism for co-ordinated

planning along major transport routes to achieve,

for example, best use of infrastructure investment

and optimal distribution of housing and

employment.

Adopted London Plan The North West London to Luton Corridor takes

forward the recommendations of the Panel Report

to the Examination in Public of the Draft Further

Alterations to the London Plan (September 2007),

and the new policy contained within the adopted

plan (February 2008).

Recommendation 3.3 (Panel’s report, FALP, September 2007)We recommend that with some urgency, and certainly before

the end of 2008, arrangements are established between

Authorities and Agencies on both sides of the London boundary

to co-ordinate the planning of the London-Luton-Bedford

Corridor.

The London Plan: Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 (February 2008)Policy 5B:1 The strategic priorities for North LondonWork with neighbouring regional and local authorities to

develop a strategic approach to the management of locations

with major growth potential broadly along the London-Luton-

Bedford corridor.

Paragraph 5.28The corridor and transport links along the London-Luton-

Bedford corridor require strategic co-ordination, in particular

to capture the development potential of Brent Cross,

Cricklewood, Mill Hill and Colindale, which will deliver

significant housing growth within this part of London.

Planning for a Better London (July 2008) In July 2008, the GLA published Planning for a

Better London, which sets out an interim

“Direction of Travel” for planning policy in the

capital. Planning for a Better London places

increased emphasis on the future of the “suburban”

areas of Greater London and the need for greater

interregional working. It therefore provides a great

opportunity for promoting North West London.

Starting point 02“Planning priority: To examine ways of ensuring that outer London can play a full part in the city’s economic success…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

Figure 2North West London to

Luton Corridor context.

11

The growth contextLondon and the South East are set to accommodate

a substantial amount of housing growth over the

next decade through measures set out by central

government in the growth areas programme and

Sustainable Communities Plan (2003), as well as

Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) including the

London Plan.

This prospectus seeks to identify collaborative

ways of promoting sustainable growth in

accordance with growth targets.

Inter-regional growthIn defining the corridor, consideration has been

given to nearby areas of growth which will

inevitably have close links with London in terms of

people, goods and services. North West London

provides the gateway and corridor of connection

between the economic powerhouse of central

London and these wider areas of growth.

There is clear potential to explore links across the

boundary between London and the East/South

East of England and how the benefits of growth

can be maximised and spread across inter-regional

boundaries.

Milton Keynes South Midlands (MKSM)

Growth Area

The MKSM Growth Area was identified as one of

four growth areas (along with the Thames

Gateway, Ashford and London-Stansted-

Cambridge-Peterborough) to provide 200,000

additional homes in addition to previously planned

levels of growth by 2016.

There are clear physical links between North West

London and the MKSM Growth Area, in particular

road and rail links provided by the M1, A5,

Thameslink and Midland Mainline. The growth of

Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes will therefore

have implications for North West London, in terms

of transport, commuting, services and

employment and housing.

Hertfordshire

Much of western Hertfordshire lies adjacent to

North West London and is the focus of

considerable growth. Watford and Hemel

Hempstead are identified within the East of

England Plan as ‘key centres for development and

change’, whilst the districts of St Albans,

Hertsmere, Dacorum and Three Rivers are all set to

experience extensive growth.

These areas have a direct relationship with the four

London boroughs, with high levels of commuting

into and through North West London. Watford, in

particular, has close functional linkages providing a

retail and employment area with direct bus, tube

and rail links to London.

Growth in North West LondonThe boroughs of Brent and Barnet have already

been identified for special status by central

government, while Harrow and Camden are also

set to experience significant growth and major

regeneration projects.

The concept of a co-ordination corridor, focussed

on these four boroughs will assist in promoting

cross-borough working and provide potential

efficiencies in infrastructure provision.

Defining the corridor 03“Sub-regional boundaries need to be regarded as ‘permeable’ and must not prevent action across them (planning for ‘corridors’ of growth across borough boundaries)…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

NW London

Harrow

Camden

Brent

Barnet

London

England and Wales

0 20 40 60 80 100

Key characteristicsPopulation profile

Latest population estimates indicate that over one

million residents live within Barnet, Brent, Camden

and Harrow:

North West London is characterised by an

especially diverse population in comparison with

the averages for England and Wales (as well as

London). The latest mid-year population survey

(Jan-Dec 2007) suggests that 41 per cent of the

population of the four boroughs is made up of non-

white ethnic groups. Brent and Harrow have

particular diversity with over 50 per cent of the

population comprising non-white groups (Figure 3).

North West London is characterised by an especially diverse population in comparison with the averages for England and Wales (as well as London).

Barnet 328,600

Brent 271,400

Camden 227,500

Harrow 214,600

North West London 1,042,000

Table 1 Latest population projections, 2006 (Source: ONS).

North West London is characterised by a tendency

towards polarisation of communities, wealth and

deprivation. This is clearly illustrated in

demographic analysis such as the London Profiler

(www.londonprofiler.org) which places each 2001

Census output area into one of seven clusters

based on the socio-economic attributes of the

residents in each area (Figure 4).

The London Profiler shows clear pockets of wealth

among communities in North West London

classified as “city living” or “prospering suburbs”.

However, there are also large areas of those

“constrained by circumstances” – often older

communities, or those living in public housing, as

well as a vast expanse of “multi-cultural”

communities, typically Asian or Afro-Caribbean

communities.

This demographic analysis is mirrored by the Index

of Multiple Deprivation outputs which reveal clear

pockets of deprivation within the sub-region,

tending to correlate with the borough boundaries,

as well as major road and rail infrastructure. These

include areas within Brent such as Wembley,

White: all people Mixed: all people

Indian: all people Pakistani/Bangladeshi

Black: all people Other ethnic group: all people

Figure 3 Ethnicity. North West London is diverse in terms

of ethnic background when compared to London and England

figures. (Source: Annual Population Survey, 2007, Nomis).

13

Willesden, Neasden and Dollis Hill; areas within

Barnet such as Edgware and Colindale; areas

within Harrow such as Roxbourne, Roxeth and East

Stanmore; and finally, pockets around the heavy

rail infrastructure adjacent to prosperous parts of

Camden (Figures 4 and 5).

Area character

North West London developed during the early

part of the 20th Century in response to

suburbanisation brought about by the

construction of commuter railways. Much of the

area is characterised by low density, semi-

detached housing stock, typical of outer London.

There are also a number of local authority social

housing schemes built during the post-war period

to ease pressure on the capital.

Recent development has sought to intensify

suburban areas, particularly those in close

proximity to town centres and transport hubs.

Such development generally consists of high-

density apartments.


Figure 4Index of Multiple Deprivation – the

most deprived wards tend to be

located in the centre of the study

area, clustered around major

infrastructure including the A406

North Circular and Thameslink/

Midland Mainline railway corridor

(Source: IMD, 2007).

<5% Most deprived

11-20%

41-60%

81%+ Least deprived

Development area boundaries5-10%

21-40%

61-80%

Metropolitan Centres

15

Figure 5North West London – a zone of

opportunity exists at the intersection

of the four boroughs, closely related

to transport infrastructure. It is within

this zone that significant regeneration

projects will take place with the

opportunity permanently to improve

quality of life.


ConnectionsThe concept for the corridor centres on its excellent

national and regional transport links (Figure 6).

Road

The M1 is at its heart, providing a highway link

between London, the East Midlands and the North.

The M25 for example provides orbital connections

around London linking to the M3, M4, M40, A1(M)

and M11. Furthermore, the A41 connects the

corridor to the Aylesbury Growth Area.

Rail

Rail connections are also good and include four of

London’s mainline stations:

Euston• : the southern terminus of the West

Coast Mainline, serving the West Midlands,

North West, North Wales and Scotland.

Marylebone• : services include the Chiltern

Mainline to Birmingham.

King’s Cross• : the southern terminus of the East

Coast Mainline, running north to Edinburgh.

St Pancras International• : the southern

terminus of the Midland Mainline, serving the

East Midlands and West Yorkshire, and now

the gateway to Europe via the Channel Tunnel

Rail Link.

In addition, the London Overground includes the

North London and West London Lines, which

provide services linking a number of North West

London communities served by stations such as

Harrow and Wealdstone, Willesden Junction, West

Hampstead, Finchley Road and Gospel Oak, and

linkages to Stratford, Clapham Junction, East

Croydon, Gatwick and Brighton.

Tube

Finally, London Underground services covering

North West London include the Metropolitan,

Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines.

17

Figure 6North West London to Luton

Corridor – transport context.

Motorways

Railways/Underground

‘A’ Roads

Underground

0 2 4 6 8 10km

Figure 7Inter-Regional Growth Targets

(Sources: MKSM Growth Strategy;

East of England Plan, 2008).

Figure 8Housing growth in North

West London 2007/08 to

2017/18 (Source: London Plan,

Consolidated with Changes

Since 2004, February 2008).

19

Inter-regional population growthAs illustrated in Table 2 below, the population of

North West London and other non-London

districts within the corridor is set to undergo

substantial growth over the next 20 years.

Recent projections by the Office of National

Statistics suggest that the population of Brent,

Barnet, Camden and Harrow is set to grow by 17%,

an increase of some 210,000 people by 2026.

Including areas in the East of England, outside of

London, the population is expected to grow by

nearly 410,000 by 2026.

Table 2 Population growth in the North West London to Luton Corridor area

(Source: ONS, 2006 – based subnational population projections, 2008).

2006 2026 % CHANGe

Barnet 328,600 391,100 16%

Brent 271,400 295,900 8%

Camden 227,500 323,800 30%

Harrow 214,600 241,900 11%

LoNDoN AReAS

1,042,100 1,252,700 17%

Luton 186,800 210,000 11%

Bedford 154,700 190,800 19%

Mid Bedfordshire

132,200 177,700 26%

South Bedfordshire

117,000 139,200 16%

How will it change? 04“North West London and the M1 corridor are set to undergo substantial growth over the coming 20 years.”

Dacorum 138,400 149,700 8%

Hertsmere 96,000 112,900 15%

St Albans 131,300 151,000 13%

Three Rivers 85,500 100,900 15%

Watford 79,600 87,400 9%

eASt oF eNGLAND AReAS

1,121,500 1,319,600 15%

2006 2026 % CHANGe

Nw LoNDoN to LUtoN CoRRiDoR

2,163,600 2,572,300 16%


Housing a growing populationTo accommodate this expanding population,

134,200 new homes are proposed within the

corridor area to 2018 as set out within the London

Plan and East of England Plan ( and illustrated in

Table 3 and Figure 8).

Although these figures were set prior to the current

economic downturn, 41,700 new homes are to be

accommodated within the four North West

London boroughs, of which nearly half (20,550) will

be built within Barnet. Many of these new homes

are proposed to be accommodated on major

development sites (Figures 8 and 9).

East of England Areas are set to accommodate

92,500 new homes, as set out within the East of

England Plan (May 2008), with high concentrations

of housing growth to be accommodated within

Luton and Bedford which form part of the Milton

Keynes, South Midlands Growth Area. A significant

proportion is also set to be accommodated within

Hertfordshire districts, notably Dacorum (focussing

upon Hemel Hempstead), St Albans and Watford.

Implications of growth Large increases in development and population

will have significant implications for these areas

and the infrastructure that serves them. Careful

management of this growth will be required, with

co-ordinated effort to maximise sustainable

benefits and minimise negative impacts of

development.

In understanding how the area is likely to be

affected by population and the responses which

will be required, some fundamental questions must

be addressed relating to new and existing residents:

• Wherewilltheylive?

• Wherewilltheywork?

• Wherewilltheyshop?

• Wherewilltheygoforrecreation?

MKSM Growth Area: Bedford/Kempston/ M.Vale

19,500

MKSM GrowthArea: Luton/Dunstable/H.Regis

26,300

Rest of Bedford BC 1,300

Rest of Mid Bens 11,000

Rest of South Beds 1,000

Dacorum 12,000

Hertsmere 5,000

St Albans 7,200

Three Rivers 4,000

Watford 5,200

east of england Areas 92,500

Barnet 20,550

Brent 11,200

Camden 5,950

Harrow 4,080

total 41,700

Table 3 Targets for new dwellings by 2018

(Source: East of England Plan, May 2008).

Table 4 Targets for new dwellings in North West London

2007/08 – 2017/18 (Source: London Plan Consolidation with

changes since 2004, February 2008).

21

Figure 9Forecast population growth

– population growth in North

West London is focused in

several wards reflecting the

polycentric growth model

(Source: GLA).

Figure 8Locations for housing

growth – a polycentric

approach to growth will

take place within North

West London, with

significant numbers of

new homes and jobs to

be focused around

existing and new

centres (Source:

London Plan, LBs Barnet,

Camden and Harrow.

-14.51 - 0.00%

Population growth2006 to 2026

1.01 - 15.00%

50.01 - 128.92%

5.000 - 10.000 homes

500 - 2.500 homes

0.01 - 1.00%

15.01 - 50.00%

2.500 - 5.000 homes

up to 500 homes

Borough-wide target*

*


Where will they live?North West London already has major

development schemes in the pipeline, which will

provide the basis for new communities.

These include regeneration schemes at Brent

Cross, Wembley, Colindale, Mill Hill, Harrow, West

Hampstead and around rail termini at King’s Cross,

St Pancras and Euston.

Figure 10 illustrates the locations of these major

schemes, against ward level population growth. It

shows that some wards are expected to grow by up

to 50 per cent (associated with the Brent Cross,

Colindale, King’s Cross and Wembley schemes).

Figure 11 illustrates that whilst Barnet and Brent

are expected to accommodate significant housing

development within major sites, Camden and

Harrow are more dependent on smaller sites to

accommodate housing requirements.

Sustainable housing development

The immediate future will be characterised by a

much greater emphasis on environmental

sustainability and the need to reduce carbon

emissions and maximise resource efficiency.

Central government has already placed great

emphasis on the role of house building in ensuring

sustainable development, through the

introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes

and the target for 100 per cent of new homes to be

carbon neutral by 2016.

Local and regional government will have a key role

to play in supporting developers, particularly in

times of economic uncertainty, to ensure that

development is exemplary and meets

environmental targets.

Many of the schemes already being brought forward

in North West London have strong environmental

credentials and it will be important to ensure that

sustainability benefits are maximised. This includes

reducing the need to travel with a focus on the use

of public transport.

INSERT SUSTAINABLE HOUSING IMAGES

Large sites Small sites Non self contained Vacants

Figure 12 Borough sites’ housing capacity (Source: London

Housing Capacity Study, 2004).

Harrow

Camden

Brent

Barnet

0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000

Camden

Harrow

Brent

Barnet

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100%

23

Example of sustainable housing: Upton, Northampton (Source: EDAW).

Eco-demonstration homes, Building Research Establishment, Watford (Source: EDAW).

Example of sustainable construction: Horniman Museum (Source: EDAW).


Where will they work?A majority of businesses within the corridor are

within the banking, finance and insurance sector, a

pattern that is replicated across Greater London

(Figure 12).

Travel-to-work analysis based on 2001 Census data

shows that a significant proportion of North West

London residents work within the area, with a focus

on existing town centres such as Harrow, Wembley

and Finchley, along with specific employment areas

such as Park Royal and Brent Cross.

Existing GLA forecasts for outer London note that

population growth is expected to be much faster in

the outer suburbs than employment growth, which

has clear implications for transport, sustainability

and quality of life.

Latest GLA employment growth projections

suggest that the four North West London boroughs

will have higher than average growth,

accommodating a significant amount of

employment growth between 2004 and 2016, as

illustrated in Figure 14. It should be noted that

these figures were prepared prior to the recent

economic downturn.

Camden is set to see employment growth of 27 per

cent between 2004 and 2026 reflecting the fact

that a significant proportion of the borough is

within the Central Activities Zone. Barnet, Brent

and Harrow are projected to accommodate

amounts proportionate to population growth of

between 15% and 20%.

However, this employment growth is dependent on

sites becoming available, and employment being

encouraged in the area. Where possible,

employment growth will be accommodated in

existing town centres and other accessible

locations. The extent to which North West London

could attract employees from outside London

using Thameslink, Midland Mainline and other

public transport connections, as well as the extent

to which reverse commuting might occur, should

also be examined with partners in the East of

England region.

Existing schemes within the area are set to

accommodate significant employment growth, in

particular: Brent Cross Cricklewood, which includes

proposals for 20,000 new jobs in retail and almost

400,000 sq m of office floorspace; Wembley where

5,500 new jobs are proposed; major new

employment areas around the King’s Cross St

Pancras and Euston rail termini; as well as smaller

employment opportunities as part of mixed use

regeneration areas.

Manufacturing (SIC D)

2016

Construction (SIC F)

2026

Energy and water (SIC C,E) Transport and communications (SIC I)

Banking, finance, insurance, etc (SIC J,K)

Other services (SIC O,P,Q)

Public administration, education and health (SIC L,M,N)

Figure 12 North West London Annual Business Enquiry

workplace analysis by sector. This illustrates a high proportion

of businesses within the service sector.

(Source: ABI, Nomis, 2006)

Figure 13 Employment projections 2004-2016 and 2004-2026

- The boroughs are all set to accommodate considerable growth

in jobs (Source: updated borough-level employment projections

to 2026, GLA Economics, February 2007)..

There are currently some 61,194 businesses in North West London employing more than 500,000 people. (Annual Business Enquiry, 2006)

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Barnet Brent Camden Harrow NW London

Greater London

Harrow

Brent

Barnet

0 5.000 10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000

Camden

25

Below 1.000

Employment density

No. of jobs per square kilometre

1.000 to 5.000

5.000 to 10.000

10.000 to 15.000

Above 15.000

2006

Figure 14Locations for employment growth

to 2026 (Source: London Plan).

Figure 15 and 16Jobs density 2006 and 2026 – the number of people working in

North West London is set to increase, with a focus on existing

and new centres including Harrow Town Centre, Park Royal,

Hampstead and Brent Cross Cricklewood.(Source: GLA).

2026

10.000 - 25.000 jobs

500 - 2.500 jobs

2.500 - 10.000 jobs

up to 500 jobs

Borough-wide target*

*


Where will they shop?The suburban centres within North West London

play a vital economic role in the provision of goods

and services, as well as offering local jobs.

In future developments, there will be an emphasis

on suburban centres becoming sustainable hubs

around which communities will cluster.

Retail growthThe following major planned retail developments

will have implications for future shopping patterns

within North West London:

Brent Cross

Brent Cross Shopping Centre was one of the UK’s

first out-of-town shopping centres - built during

the 1970s it remains a major retail draw for North

West London and further afield. There are

currently major plans for expanding the shopping

centre as part of the development of a new town

centre at Brent Cross and Cricklewood. This will

become a metropolitan-level shopping centre with

some 110,000 sq m of additional retail space, along

with office, residential, leisure and associated

transport infrastructure improvements.

Wembley

Areas surrounding the new stadium have been

identified as targets for retail regeneration. The

1960s Central Square Shopping Centre offers the

opportunity for mainly replacement retail

floorspace (consent has been granted for 6,200 sq

m – a small net replacement increase of 340 sq m).

In addition, consent has also been given for 55,000

sq m of retail and 45,000 sq m of entertainment

and leisure (including 14,000 sq m of designer

outlet shopping) as Phase 1 of development

proposals for the area.

Harrow town centre

The Harrow Retail Study (March 2006) revealed a

need for 29,100 sq m of comparison goods and

5,250 sq m of convenience goods shopping in the

town centre by 2016. There is also potential for

improved food shopping.

Kilburn

Kilburn Square Market has been identified as a

development site and a development brief has

been issued by the London Borough of Brent.

King’s Cross

Up to 45,000 sq m of new retail space will be

available as part of the area’s regeneration, from

high street stores to independent shops, boutique

units, and convenience stores. Around 15,000 sq m

of the retail offer will be based in conservation areas

and historic buildings with planned eclectic stores,

food retail ‘clusters’ and outdoor seasonal markets.

Edgware

Consent has been given for a new, mixed-use

project covering over 2 hectares in Colindale.

Known as ‘399 Edgware’ it includes 33,000 sq m of

retail units.

Watford

The Watford Retail Study (2005) revealed a need

for 50,700 sq m of comparison and 7,300 sq m of

convenience retail space by 2016 which includes

capacity for a new town centre supermarket.

There are no detailed plans for any improved

provision at present.

Additional retail projects

Although not within the immediate corridor, the

following projects are also likely to have an impact

on shopping patterns:

Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden)

27

Westfield London

The largest town-centre shopping mall in Europe

(and the third largest retail centre in the UK after

Bluewater and the Metro Centre), Westfield

London at White City provides 150,000 sq m of new

retail space. The site is well connected to Willesden

Junction via the London Overground and is served

by two Underground lines. The opening of

Westfield presents a significant challenge to

existing centres in North West London in

maintaining local market share.

Figure 17Shopping areas, including

locations for additional

retail floorspace.

Town centre expansion

Major development/expansion

Maintenance/improvements

West End

The West End is enjoying ongoing improvements.

Work has included £500 million of improvements to

Regent Street, and proposals for the regeneration of

the Oxford Street / Tottenham Court Road junction

following confirmation of the Crossrail scheme.

Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden)


Where will they go for recreation?The corridor benefits from substantial areas

of open space. There are significant opportunities

to improve access to green spaces to serve the

growing population.

Brent

Brent contians over 1,000 acres of public open

space including: Barham Park, Welsh Harp/Brent

Reservoir, Fryent Country Park, Gladstone Park,

Roundwood Park, Queen’s Park and Roe Green Park.

Brent also offers four sports and leisure centres,

plus the newly-built Northwick Park golf course.

Barnet

Barnet has 2,466 acres of greenbelt and 690 acres

of Metropolitan Open Land. Open spaces include:

Arkley Open Spaces, Brent Park, Edgewarebury

Park, Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Open Spaces

(including Big Wood, Little Wood and the Heath),

Mill Hill Park, Moat Mount Open Space Local

Nature Reserve (LNR), Scratchwood LNR, Oak Hill

Woods and Meadow LNR, Sunny Hill Park,

Totteridge Fields LNR, Woodridge LNR, Coppetts

Wood and Glebelands. Barnet also offers seven

sports and leisure centres.

Camden

Existing open spaces include: Bloomsbury Square,

Brunswick Square, Camley Street Natural Park,

Coram’s Fields, Gordon Square, Hampstead Heath,

Highgate Cemetery, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Primrose

Hill, Regent’s Park, Russell Square, Tavistock

Square, St James’ Gardens, St Martins’ Gardens, St

Pancras Old Church Gardens and Waterlow Park.

Camden also has five sports and leisure centres.

Harrow

Harrow contains more than 400 hectares of public

open spaces, including 500 acres of greenbelt.

Open spaces include: Bentley Priory, Canons Park,

Grimsdyke Open Space, Harrow Weald Common,

Headstone Manor Recreation Park, Pinner Park

Farm, Stanmore Common, Stanmore Country Park

and Streamside Reservation. Harrow also offers

one major sports and leisure centre.

The Welsh Harp Reservoir

A major asset for North West London is the Welsh

Harp Reservoir, also known as the Brent Reservoir.

The total area of the Welsh Harp and its

surroundings (forming part of the London

boroughs of Brent and Barnet) is approximately

340 acres, the actual water space being around 125

acres. The reservoir was designated a Site of

Special Scientific Interest in the 1960s as one of the

most important bird watching areas in southern

England with an average of about 120 species

recorded each year. It also provides a valuable

recreational resource for North West London with

facilities for sailing and windsurfing.

The potential exists to improve access to the

reservoir and intensify its use for recreation.

Harrow and Barnet include areas of Metropolitan Green Belt, and Camden is one of the greenest of the Inner London boroughs.

Illustrative view of Brent Riverside park with Wembley arch in background - Brent Cross Cricklewood (source: BXC Design and Access Statement).

29

Linking green spacesThe potential exists within North West London to

better utilise public open spaces and enhance the

quality of existing assets. As part of this, it will be

important to ensure access and linkages between

existing open spaces are maximised.

Figure18Linking Green Spaces – the

potential exists to better

utilise existing open spaces

and improve the environment

surrounding the River Brent and

its tributaries, including the

Welsh Harp Reservoir.

Metropolitan Open Land

Strategic Walking Routes

Jubilee Walk

Capital Ring

Green Belt

River Brent

Thames Path

Lee Valley Walk

London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP)

1

2

3

4

5

It will be important to ensure that facilities for

North West London are integrated with London-

wide initiatives such as Green Grid, Capital Ring

and the London LOOP.

Figure 19North West London to Luton

Corridor growth areas.

Opportunity areas

Regional centre

Priority for regeneration


Major town centre

0 2 4 6 8 10km

31

A polycentric approachGrowth within the North West London to Luton

Corridor can only be delivered through a

polycentric approach, focussing on existing or new

economic centres and transport hubs.

There are a number of major development projects

underway as part of the wider growth agenda.

The majority of these are progressing in isolation

from each other and there is a need for greater

co-ordination.

Policy 2A.5 of the London Plan identifies a number

of ‘Opportunity Areas’ on the basis of their capacity

for accommodating significant new jobs (at least

5,000) or new homes (at least 2,500). The following

Opportunity Areas are located within the North

West London study area:

• BrentCross/Cricklewood/WestHendon

• Colindale

• Wembley

• King’sCross

• Euston

Many of these sites are in close proximity to each

other or have cross-borough boundaries. For

example, Brent Cross is only two miles from

Wembley, whilst Colindale is located on the

boundary between Barnet and Brent.

Policy 2A.6 of the London Plan identifies a number

of ‘Areas for Intensification’ that have potential for:

increases in residential, employment and other

uses through development or redevelopment of

available sites; and/or regeneration through higher

densities and more mixed and intensive uses. Areas

for Intensification within North West London are

as follows:

• MillHillEast

• WestHampsteadInterchange

In addition, significant developments are being

brought forward in:

• HarrowTownCentre

• OrientalCity,Brent

• SouthKilburn

Outside London, significant developments are

taking place in Watford, St Albans, Luton, Hemel

Hempstead and Bedford.


Major town centre

Co-ordinating the growth 05“Central, inner and outer London are inextricably interlinked - not can succeed in isolation from the others.” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)


Key development sites in North West LondonNorth West London is being transformed by a

number of major development schemes. Details of

major schemes are set out below.

KING’S CROSS

Inner city regeneration

King’s Cross is one of the most significant

development and regeneration opportunities in

central London. The site covers 25 hectares and lies

between King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.

Planning permission was granted in December

2006 for 700,000 sq m of mixed-use development.

The permission includes up to 25 large new office

buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new major public

spaces, three new bridges across the Regent’s

Canal, the restoration and refurbishment of 20

historic buildings and structures, and up to 1,800

homes and serviced apartments.

EUSTON

Mixed-use transport interchange

Network Rail and British Land are set to redevelop

Euston station to provide an effective mainline

station and transport hub. The redevelopment of

the station is set to be the catalyst for the

regeneration of some 6 hectares of land for which

the London Plan sets a target of 1,000 new homes

and 5,000 new jobs by 2026 (subject to increased

transport capacity).

Development is likely to include community

facilities and open spaces. A planning framework

has been produced by Camden Council, and a

planning application is expected in 2009, with

work commencing after the 2012 Olympic and

Paralympic Games.

WEST HAMPSTEAD INTERCHANGE

Improved connections

The London Plan identifies West Hampstead as an

area of intensification, with a significant

development opportunity based around the

development of an interchange between the

existing Thameslink, Overground, and Jubilee Line

services from three separate stations on West End

Lane. This will be complemented by the

development of up to 2,000 new homes.

BRENT CROSS CRICKLEWOOD

A new sustainable town centre

Brent Cross Cricklewood is set to be one of the

biggest regeneration projects in London involving

the rejuvenation of 151 hectares of brownfield land.

This will create a new town centre for the sub-

region and a new gateway to London.

The £4.2 billion scheme is being led by the private

sector, with strong public sector support and is set

to create 20,000 new jobs and 7,500 new homes.

The scheme will provide a new metropolitan

shopping centre with associated office floorspace,

schools and other community facilities as well as

improved transport facilities. The scheme proposes

a range of sustainable features to ensure that Brent

Cross Cricklewood becomes a truly vibrant and

environmentally robust place to live.

WEST HENDON

Estate renewal

The West Hendon regeneration scheme is centred

around the existing West Hendon estate and the

section of the A5 on the boundary of Brent and

Barnet. The scheme forms part of the Cricklewood,

Brent Cross and West Hendon Regeneration

scheme but will progress independently of the

larger project. The proposals for West Hendon will

see the creation of a new integrated community

and the replacement of the existing estate with up

to 2,171 units of mixed tenure housing, 1,000 sq m

of commercial floorspace, a new town square,

improved transport links, a range of new

community facilities and economic and social

regeneration initiatives.

Growth will be centred on a range of development areas that vary greatly in size and character.

33

MILL HILL EAST

A new, successful 21st century suburb

Mill Hill East is a 48ha brownfield site located

adjacent to the greenbelt. Over the coming 15-20

years the site is to be developed to include around

2,000 new homes and accommodation for 500

new jobs.

There will be a mix of different housing types with

an emphasis on larger family houses and

affordable housing, supported by new community

and education facilities, local retail provision and

green spaces.

COLINDALE

Enhanced suburb

Colindale presents a major regeneration and

sustainable development opportunity in Barnet

and is identified in the London Plan (consolidated

with alterations since 2004) as an Opportunity

Area with a capacity for 10,000 new homes and

500 new jobs.

Barnet Council is preparing an Area Action Plan for

Colindale which will provide a framework and

spatial plan to guide the development of the area

to 2021. It will contain guidance on sustainable

development, address land use issues, and identify

the key infrastructure improvements needed to

support the delivery of growth in Colindale.

WEMBLEY CITY

A world class destination

Wembley is undergoing a process of

transformation with a major mixed-use scheme

being delivered by Quintain Estates focused on the

new Wembley Stadium and refurbished Arena.

Some 7,500 new homes are to be constructed,

along with new leisure facilities, a hotel, offices,

civic centre, and retail outlet park.

The scheme will provide new primary and

secondary schools, health and community facilities,

as well as improved transport infrastructure.

Kings Cross (Source: LB Camden).

Harrow College (Source: LB Harrow).Colindale (Source: LB Barnet).


SOUTH KILBURN

Community-led regeneration

South Kilburn is an area dominated by social

housing in the south of Brent. South Kilburn has

been identified as a New Deal for Communities

area and a primary focus for regeneration in Brent,

following years of decline and deprivation.

The regeneration scheme proposes 1,500 new

homes plus 1,500 replacement homes along with a

new primary school and two new healthy living

centres replacing three medical centres.

HARROW TOWN CENTRE

Metropolitan town centre renewal

Harrow town centre is one of ten Metropolitan

Centres identified within the London Plan and is a

major focus for development within the borough.

Some £3 million is proposed to be spent on public

realm improvements and significant Section 106

contributions are anticipated for public transport

improvements. A new further education college is

proposed for 4,000 students and around 1,000

new homes are to be provided within the town

centre in coming years.

A need for up to 29,000 sq m of retail floorspace

has been identified and a development brief has

been prepared for work focused on an improved

transport hub around Harrow on the Hill station.

Key development sites beyond North West LondonMajor development is also taking place within the

London to Luton Corridor area outside of London:

Watford

Up to 79,650 sq m of new comparison retail

floorspace is expected in Watford town centre to

2021, along with associated housing growth.

There are currently plans to develop a Health

Campus on a 26.5-hectare site in West Watford.

This will include Watford Hospital and Watford

Football Club.

This initiative is being taken forward by a

partnership including the strategic health

authority, primary health trusts, the city council,

EEDA and Watford Football Club.

Hemel Hempstead

Policy LA2 of the East of England Plan identifies

that Hemel Hempstead requires the provision of

12,000 new homes and substantial employment

growth. The plan states that this should ‘capitalise

on strategic links to Watford, proposed major

development at Brent Cross/Cricklewood and

elsewhere in London, Luton and Milton Keynes’.

Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is set to undergo substantial growth

to become a city the size of Cardiff. Major mixed

use redevelopment is being undertaken within the

central area, with urban extensions set to

accommodate some 45,000 new homes.

St Albans

St Albans is set to undergo city centre renewal to

support future growth.

Luton

Luton is subject to significant development activity

including town centre gateway and town centre

regeneration, business development and the

expansion of Luton Airport. Consideration is being

given to several urban extensions.

Bedford

Significant development is currently being

undertaken in Bedford including town centre

expansion comprising up to 47,000 sq m of

comparison retail, over 1,000 residential units and

leisure facilities; office development adjacent to

the railway station and the development of the

‘i-vita’ enterprise hub focussed on the sport,

fitness, health and well-being business sector.

Wembley City (Source: LB Brent).

35

Figure 20Key development locations

within North West London.

Brent Cross/Cricklewood

Euston

Wembley

Harrow town centre

South Kilburn NDC

Kings Cross

Colindale/Oriental City/Hendon

Mill Hill East

West Hampstead Interchange

Illustrative views of High Street North and Brent Cross Main Square (Source: BXC Design and Access Statement).


Figure 21 Capacity increases on London Underground

(Source: TFL Business Plan 2008).

Note: Circles show percentage increase in peak capacity from

2006 for each individual line. Dates shown are the latest

possible contractual dates under the Public Private Partnership.

Current plans generally suggest earlier delivery of upgrades.

Improved connectionsNorth West London is becoming better connected.

As part of the growth agenda, a number of

transport infrastructure projects are proposed

within the study area.

Rail improvementsAs shown in Figure 22 there are set to be significant

increases in rail capacity across the corridor area

through the following improvements.

Thameslink

A £5.5bn upgrade of the Thameslink has begun.

Thameslink runs between Bedford and Brighton

and will see the following improvements between

now and 2015 of direct consequence to the corridor.

There will be:

New rolling stock;•

More trains (up to 50 per cent more services on •

some routes);

Interchange with international Eurostar •

services at St Pancras;

New connections to Cambridgeshire, Kent and •

Sussex;

Station improvements and platform •

extensions;

A new Thameslink station to serve the Brent •

Cross Cricklewood development.

London Overground

The London Overground was launched in

November 2007 following the takeover of several

London railways by TfL, including the London

Euston to Watford Junction local line and the West

London Line (Willesden Junction to Clapham

Junction via Kensington Olympia), both of which

fall within the corridor area. Willesden Juction acts

as a hub for Overground services (and interchange

with the Underground), whilst a number of

stations are located within the corridor. The West

London Line Service provides a link to Watford and

Gatwick Airport.

From 2011, the Overground will link with the

extended East London Line at Highbury and

Islington, providing connections to South East

London and creating the beginnings of an

orbital service.

London Underground

London Underground is undergoing a major

upgrade that is expected to increase capacity by

more than 30% (Figure 21). The Northern, Jubilee,

Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines are all in the

process of being upgraded. This will include

signalling improvements to increase the frequency

of service on the Northern and Jubilee lines, new

rolling stock on the Bakerloo and Metropolitan

lines and refurbished stations. This is part of the

Public Private Partnership upgrade of the wider

London Underground network.

Crossrail

Although the first phase of Crossrail does not pass

within the study area, it will have profound

implications for travel across the capital. New

interchanges to the cross-London underground

railway will link North West London with the new

line at Farringdon (via Thameslink), Tottenham

Court Road (via the Northern Line), Bond Street

(via the Jubilee Line), and Paddington (via the

Bakerloo Line).

Cu

mu

lati

ve in

crea

se in

pea

k ca

paci

ty

into

cen

tral

Lon

don

(per

cen

t)

20050

10

20

30

2010 2015 2020 2025

Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines

Picadilly Line

District Line

Northern Line part 2

Bakerloo Line Network total

Network total

at 2018 25%

at 2022 32.5%

Victoria Line

Northern Line

Jubilee Line

Waterloo & City Line

37

Figure 22Proposed transport

improvements within the

Corridor.

Underground

Crossrail

Railways/underground

Thameslink programme

Channel Tunnel Rail Link

Metropolitan Line upgrade


West Hampstead Interchange

As noted above, an improved interchange is

proposed between the three separate stations at

West Hampstead (Jubilee Line, Overground and

Thameslink). The proposal involves rebuilding the

section of West End Lane between the stations and

the provision of a walkway linking the three

existing stations. At present West Hampstead

Interchange is yet to secure funding.

National Rail

Capacity increases are proposed on the Chiltern

Line out of Marylebone and between Watford

and Euston.

Figure 23Transport improvements

within Development Schemes.

Other public transport improvements

In addition to rail improvements, there are

numerous proposals to improve other public

transport modes in the sub-region. These include

the following:

Improved bus services

As part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme, a

dedicated bus service is proposed to provide good

levels of public transport accessibility around the

site. This has the potential to be linked to wider bus

service improvements.

New bus stations

Brent Cross Cricklewood and Harrow town centre

are keen to accommodate proposed new state-of-

the-art bus stations, providing high levels of

Key project

Interchange/access improvements

LUL station improvements

New rail station

Channel Tunnel terminus

Railway station improvements

Bus station improvements

New bus station

There are numerous proposals to improve other public transport modes in the sub-region.

39

accessibility, as well as real-time information,

service interchange and high quality passenger

facilities. Kings Cross, Euston, Wembley, Mill Hill

and West Hampstead are all due to have enhanced

bus interchange facilities.

Road infrastructureThe current TFL Business Plan (2009/10 - 2017/18)

sets out to significantly improve London’s roads by

enhancing the efficiency of the most important

signals, increasing road capacity, reducing delay

and improving pedestrian provision where possible.

There are a number of highway infrastructure

improvements expected within the corridor area in

coming years, including:

M1/M25 widening;•

A new M1/A406 junction;•

New junctions and road connections as part of •

the Brent Cross scheme;

A new east-west road across the Mill Hill site •

linking Bittacy Hill and Frith Lane as part of the

Mill Hill Area Action Plan; and

Small scale improvements to the A406, •

including enhanced signaling and provision of

at-grade pedestrian crossings between

Golders Green Road and Falloden Way,

including Henlys Corner.

Figure 24Improved regional,

national and international

connections to/from North

West London.

London Luton Corridor | August 08

41

To realise the significant growth potential of the

corridor, a number of challenges must be addressed.

Challenge: Improving local connectionsThe corridor currently benefits from excellent

regional, national and international connections

with a number of transport improvement schemes

in the pipeline.

However, there are major challenges ahead in

ensuring that essential transport improvements are

brought forward. Significant public and private

sector funding and promotion will be required if

schemes such as Crossrail, West Hampstead

Interchange and other station improvements are to

be delivered.

There will also be a need for significant investment

in highways infrastructure in order to accommodate

growth. In particular, further works may be required

to the A406, A5, and M1 as the population grows.

Within the corridor as a whole, patterns of

movement follow a north-south bias, providing

regional and national connections to and from

central London. Similarly, the main local movement

opportunities for people living in North West

London are between local transport hubs and

central London.

There are a number of existing transport initiatives

that seek to capitalise on the north-south

movement corridors. However, a key challenge for

coordinated growth within the area will be to

ensure that improvements are made to east-west

orbital connections, together with high quality

public transport linkages between existing town

centres and future development sites.

Transport challenges need to be addressed by new

development to improve local connections and

enhanced cohesion between existing and future

centres of population and commerce in North

West London.

Figure 25Need for improved local

connections between the

four boroughs.

What are the challenges? 06


Enhancing public transport accessibility

Car ownership in North West London is

particularly high and car journeys represent a

significant number of additional trips.

While many of the major town centres have good

public transport accessibility, a number of areas

are poorly served. It will be important to ensure

that all new developments in North West London

enhance public transport connections and

facilities. A key principle must be to encourage a

reduction in car use and to make public transport

more attractive.

Detailed transport work needs to be undertaken,

but initiatives could include express bus routes

between centres, e.g. Wembley / Brent Cross

and other town centres, with improved facilities

and information.

Addressing bottlenecks and capacity

Traffic congestion is set to increase in future and

this will be of particular concern for North West

London, with major roads such as the North

Circular and A5 often running at capacity.

As well as initiatives to reduce local trips by car,

through improving access to public transport, it

will be important to undertake initiatives such as

addressing key bottlenecks in the strategic road

network, and identifying capacity problems.

Improving links to the outer metropolitan area

There is already a range of initiatives to improve

connections with the immediate outer

metropolitan area, with upgrades to the

Metropolitan Line between North West London

and Watford, and the M1 widening programme.

43

Figure 26Public transport accessibility

in North West London

(Source:TfL).

1a

PTA Level

1b

2

3

4

6a

5

6b

Further consideration should be given to how

these links can be enhanced to connect with the

wider corridor hinterland.

Associated with this will be a requirement to ensure

that increased opportunities for employment are

provided in outer areas to assist in reducing the

need to travel.

Local links – cycling and walking

The importance of walking and cycling must be

recognised when planning for expansion.

Developments must be safe and easy to navigate

on foot. The Mayor of London is currently seeking

to establish 900km of safe cycle routes within the

London Cycle Network and attempts must be

made to ensure that local routes are created which

link with this, and the National Cycle Network.


Challenge: Making growth sustainableThe growth agenda within the North West London

to Luton Corridor is ambitious and will put pressure

on existing infrastructure and scarce resources.

Sustainability is at the heart of national, regional

and local planning and development policy. There

are very clear drivers to encourage development to

be environmentally, socially and economically

sustainable, in particular:

• Theeffectsofclimatechange,andlikelyimpact

on the environment;

• Emergingsustainabletechnologiesbecoming

increasingly available and sophisticated;

• TougherEUandUKlegislation,particularly

through building regulations;

• Risingconsumerawareness;

• Globalresourcescarcity,particularlywith

regards to fuel and energy.

The co-ordination of development projects within

the corridor may provide opportunities to create

the crtical mass required for the delivery of major

sustainable infrastructure such as district

heating and cooling, local energy generation

and distribution.

Sustainable development

UK government policy and the London Plan call for

all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016.

To achieve this, the following requirements have

been identified:

• Ensuringthemostefficientuseoflandand

existing buildings;

• Ensuringconstructionresourceefficiency;

• Useoflocallysourcedmaterials;

• Useofsustainablebuildingmaterials;

• Minimisingenergyuse(throughpassivesolar

design, natural ventilation, green roofs etc.);

• Managingoverheating;

• Ensuringenergyefficiency;

• Reducingcarbonemissions.

Sustainable resources

Energy

The London Plan seeks to encourage a 20 per

cent reduction in carbon emissions through

the sustainable use of energy including using

less energy, supplying energy efficiently,

and incorporating renewable energy within

new developments. This will include the

following initiatives:

• Useofcombinedcooling,heat,andpower

(CCHP) and combined heat and power (CHP)

systems;

• ProvidinglocalnetworksforCCHPandCHP

systems to link up a number of developments;

• Optimisingpotentialforon-siterenewable

energy generation;

• Photovoltaicandsolarwaterheating.

All new development should include elements of

the above. The potential for shared area-wide CHP

and CCHP may be possible between development

schemes and is already proposed within the Brent

Cross, King’s Cross and Wembley schemes. A site

wide Harrow town centre facility linking all new

major development is also planned.

Water supply

In accordance with the London Plan, development

must have regard to the impact of proposals on

water demand and existing capacity. In particular

projects must:

Minimise the use of treated water;•

Reach cost-effective minimum leakage levels;•

Maximise rainwater harvesting opportunities; •

Ensuring that growth is planned in an integrated fashion creates the potential for a critical mass that improves the deliverability of sustainable infrastructure.

45

Introduce targets for water recycling in major •

developments;

Promote the use of dual potable and grey •

water recycling systems;

Promote the provision of additional sustainable •

water resources in a timely and efficient

manner, to reduce the water supply deficit and

achieve a security of supply in London;

Maintain and upgrade the infrastructure;•

Be developed in close consultation with •

infrastructure providers.

Flood risk

Large areas of Brent, Barnet and Harrow are within

the flood zone of the River Brent and its tributaries.

It will be important to ensure that flood risk is

managed and minimised within these zones and

throughout the wider area. This will include the

provision of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

(SUDS) and the minimisation of run-off.

Waste management

Figure 28 illustrates the volume of waste arising

from North West London boroughs, and shows

that municipal and commercial/industrial waste is

set to rise from 1.7 million tonnes in 2010 to 2.1

million tonnes in 2020.

The London Plan encourages waste minimisation,

recycling, composting and the development of new

and emerging advanced conversion technologies

for waste. New developments within North West

London should seek to assist in these aims.

Organising for sustainability

It will be important for all stakeholders to be pro-

active in ensuring environmentally sustainable

development. North West London authorities

should engage with partnerships such as the

London Climate Change Agency, London Energy

Partnership, London Climate Change Partnership,

London Hydrogen Partnership, utilities companies,

and the waste authorities to ensure a consistent

and collaborative approach is integrated with the

development process.

On site energy generation at 400 North Circular Road (Source: LB Brent).

Figure 27 North West London waste arisings 2010-2020 in

tonnes per annum (Source: London Plan 2008, Table 4A.3, p 229).

2010 2013 2015 20200

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000


Challenge: Reducing inequalitiesThere is a clear disparity within the sub-region

between ‘city suburbs’ (desirable and prosperous

residential areas located towards the outer edges

of the boroughs), and the area that lies between

where deprivation is relatively high.

This ‘zone of opportunity’ follows the major

infrastructure corridors and the administrative

boundaries of the four boroughs. It contains the

majority of the various re-development

opportunities in the corridor, previously outlined.

Challenge: Co-ordinating deliveryThere is a real opportunity to transform this zone

and address the inequalities through a considered

and integrated approach to the development sites

to be found here. Together, the sites are crucial to

transforming the sub-region as a whole, meaning

that cooperation between boroughs and

partnerships, and between public and private

bodies, is essential.

Figure 29North West London corridor

development sites.

Figure 28North West London Corridor

‘zone of opportunity’.

Cooperation between boroughs and partnerships and between public and private bodies is essential.

47

Challenge: Providing the necessary social infrastructureA balanced provision of land uses and services is a

key feature of sustainable communities and cities.

The provision of social infrastructure is an

important element in the development of

sustainable communities. Population growth in

the corridor will have profound implications for

social infrastructure facilities.

A preliminary analysis of social infrastructure

requirements using best practise standards has

been undertaken based upon GLA population

projections for North West London.

This identifies considerable social infrastructure

needs arising from new developments including:

21 primary schools.•

6 secondary schools.•

74 GPs.•

313 police officers.•

320 hospital beds. • 1

Major schemes including Wembley City, Brent Cross

Cricklewood and King’s Cross are all to include

considerable social infrastructure provision

including new schools, Primary Care Centres and

other community facilities.

There will be a need to ensure that adequate

provision is made across the corridor and this may

be efficiently provided through collaboration

between developers, the four boroughs and other

stakeholders such as Primary Care Trusts.

It will be important to ensure that social

infrastructure is provided in the most appropriate

locations. Social infrastructure should be provided in

locations close to the population served, ensuring

facilities are well used and the need to travel by

private transport is minimised.

1 The analysis has been carried out through the use of an EDAW developed model entitled the London Thames Gateway Social Infrastructure Framework (LTGSIF)

Model. This model was developed as part of a project for the NHS Healthy Urban Development Unit (HUDU) and CLG whereby a methodology for assessing social

infrastructure requirements was developed for use throughout the London Thames Gateway boroughs. The analysis covers five social infrastructure sectors:

Education, Healthcare, Community space, Leisure and Re creation and Emergency and Essential Service.

It should be noted that this is a high level social infrastructure analysis and presents only the potential gross social infrastructure demand which could be as-

sociatedwithpopulationgrowthasprojectedbytheGLA’sDataManagementandAnalysisGroup.•Itdoesnottakeintoaccountcapacityatexistingfacilities.

Capital City Academy, Brent. (Source: LB Brent)


type oF iNFRAStRUCtURe (CUmULAtive)

ReqUiRemeNt to 2026 ASSUmptioN SoURCe

Nursery schools 7 from total nursery population include:

20% 0 year olds, 20% 1-2 year olds,

45% 2-3 year olds, 80% of 3-4 year olds.

LLV Regeneration Study

2 FE Primary schools 21 1 form entry size equal to 210 children aged 4 to 10.

Assumes 5% of pupils are in education through non-LEA provision.

Form Entry size from Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) standards.

9 FE Secondary schools 6 1 form entry size equal to 150 children aged 11 to 15.

Assumes 5% of pupils are in education through non-LEA provision.

Form Entry size from Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) standards,

GPs 74 Based upon one GP per 1800 persons. Department of Health (DOH) Standard

Dentists 67 Based upon one dentist per 2000 persons.

School for Health, University of Bath, May 2004

Hospital beds 370 Based upon 1 acute bed per 480 persons and 1 other bed (inc. mental health) per 1430 persons..

Thames Valley Health Authority

Sports centres 10 Based upon 0.294 sq.m of sport hall space per 1000 persons.

Sport England Sport Facility Calculator

Swimming Pools 6 Based upon 10.23 sq.m of pool water per 1000 persons and 53 sq.m of water per lane.

Sport England Sport Facility Calculator

Large Community Centres

8 Based upon 61 sq.m of community space per 1000 persons.

Milton Keynes Council SPG – Social Infrastructure Planning Obligations

Large Libraries 2 Based upon 26.5 sq.m of community space per 1000 persons.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) 2000 standard plus LTGSIF research uplift

Playing fields (hectares) 265 Based upon 12 sq.m playing fields per person;

NPFA Open Space Standards

Police Officers 213 Based upon 1 police officer per 297 persons (maintaining the current provision – averaged across the CAZ London Boroughs).

Police officer strength by Basic Command Unit, 31 March 2007, The Home Office

Table 5 Standards and requirements for social infrastructure in North West London.

49

Figure 30 Potential requirement for gross increase in social infrastructure provision in the four boroughs to 2026.


Challenge: Making the most of green infrastructureThe corridor is well-provided with green

infrastructure. However, the spaces are not evenly

distributed with the majority being greenbelt on

the northern edge of the four boroughs.

More central areas of the corridor have a lower

level of provision and lack of access is a major issue.

A good example is the Welsh Harp Reservoir – a

major space that is little used.

Improving access to green infrastructure is vital

and the Brent River corridor provides a potential

focus for the creation of a linked regional park. It

could become a recreational and ecological

resource providing access to green spaces along

its length while connecting more central areas

to the greenbelt.

The ‘Green Arc’ initiative should also be promoted

within the area. The North London SRDF states that

this initiative promotes the positive management

and use of the London urban fringe to provide a

good quality environment for people and wildlife

through partnership working. The sub-region

should work to promote positive uses for the

greenbelt whilst meeting its statutory purposes.

These positive uses could include improving the

quality and accessibility of the land, conserving and

enhancing the biodiversity value and supporting

initiatives that contribute to sustainable

development, including renewable energy,

floodwater retention and water gathering areas.

Hampstead Heath (Source: EDAW).

51

Figure 31Green infrastructure

opportunities in North West

London.

North West London to Luton Corridor | August 08

53

A highly connected and prosperous sub-regionThis is a highly accessible area – already well

connected and with significant transport

improvements in the pipeline. The corridor’s

international connections by air and rail make it

unique within the larger region and should be fully

exploited and promoted.

If local challenges to connectivity can be overcome,

and the required social infrastructure can be

provided, the opportunities for creating truly

sustainable communities are great.

The corridor offers unique potential to create a

highly dynamic and desirable place to live with

good access to services, training and employment,

a wide range of housing, accessible open space and

leisure facilities, and increasing prosperity.

Figure 32Working in partnership.

A comprehensive approach to development and infrastructureThe opportunity to ensure high quality, sustainable

infrastructure requires the co-ordination of

development sites and transport projects. This can

be achieved by key stakeholders working together.

Working togetherCollaborative working should be promoted between

all London boroughs, outside London districts,

regional and national government agencies and the

private sector with an interest in the corridor. This

may include a collaborative approach to Local

Development Framework (LDF) plan making.

This will result in significant resource efficiencies,

funding opportunities, and the effective delivery of

infrastructure requirements to ensure the

successful, sustainable and co-ordinated growth of

the North West London Corridor.

Boroughs

Regional bodies

Partners

Rising to the opportunities 07“We will look at whether there are ways of promoting better joint arrangements between sub-regions…” Planning for a Better London (July 2008)

EEDA, East of England,

Outside of London Districts

Harrow Barnet

Brent Camden

Environment Agency

Homes + Communities

AgencyUK Government

GOL, Greater London Authority

DevelopersInfrastructure Providers


55


www.barnet.gov.uk

www.brent.gov.uk

www.camden.gov.uk

www.harrow.gov.uk

www.london.gov.uk

www.nlsa.org.uk

Produced by:

For further information contact:

Stephen KingNorth London Strategic Alliance3rd FloorAlexandra House10 Station RoadLondonN22 7TR

Documents

Prospectus for Sustainable Co-ordinated Growth