Harrow names regeneration development partner

Harrow Council has named Wates Residential as its development partner for a £600m regeneration project.

Yesterday (10 September), the London borough’s cabinet approved the decision to select Wates as the development partner in the equally owned Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP).

The partnership will transform the landscape of Wealdstone, building 1,500 new homes, including a significant number of affordable homes, a new civic centre, shops, offices, and a school, as well as public and green spaces.

The partnership will work with hundreds of young people at schools and colleges across the borough to provide school curriculum support and help raise aspirations; invest in employment, skills and training initiatives including providing construction training for over 130 unemployed adults to help kick-start their careers; and deliver 220 apprenticeships.

According to the council, it is due to start in February 2021 with the first homes built in 2022.

‘During these difficult times it is important to have something to look forward to – our ambitious plans will give families an affordable place to call home, create jobs for local people, build a new Council headquarters, and re-energise Wealdstone town centre,’ said council leader, Cllr Graham Henson.

‘Through our partnership with Wates we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of our residents and boost the local economy. Now is the right time to redevelop these three sites and build a better Harrow for our residents and businesses.’

Wates Residential’s development director, Kate Ives added: “Wates Residential is delighted to have been chosen as Harrow Council’s partner to help deliver its ambitious vision to Build a Better Harrow. We look forward to working with the council as we build more than 1,500 much-needed high-quality homes and a new civic centre at the heart of the local community.

‘We believe that everyone deserves a great place to live and, as a fourth-generation family-owned business, we are committed to ensuring that our presence allows us to give something back to the places that we build in. As part of our partnership with the council, we will not only provide crucial additional housing, but also leave a positive legacy for the community through investment in skills, training, education and jobs to help local people thrive.’

Photo Credit – Harrow Council