New London town centre with CHP plant and new rail station: plans submitted to Barnet Council

The plans for a whole new town centre based around Cricklewood and Brent Cross would create 27,000 jobs, 7,500 homes, 3 schools, new health facilities, high quality parks and open spaces, and investment of more than £400 million in improving transport.

The proposals from development partners, Brookfield Europe (formerly Multiplex), Hammerson and Standard Life Investments, also include a commitment to pioneering standards of environmental sustainability.

The scheme aims to be the first in the UK to combine automated waste collection through a network of underground pipes, linked directly to a new waste handling and recycling facility. The waste collected would produce fuel for a combined heat and power plant on site.

Rapid and efficient links would be created between the existing and new rail stations, along a new High Street, to an enhanced Brent Cross shopping centre and through to Brent Cross Tube. This would represent a step change in the accessibility of the area by public transport. Lined with trees, shops and cafes, the High Street would pass through a series of new public squares and over a new bridge across the A406.

The 151 hectare regeneration area is bordered by Brent Cross Shopping Centre in the North, The A41 (Hendon Way) in the East, Cricklewood Lane in the South and the A5 (Edgware Road) in the West. The A406 (North Circular Road) also passes through the site, as does the Midland Mainline rail route.

The application follows extensive community consultation. The proposals will go on exhibition soon and Barnet Council will be seeking the views of residents within and bordering on the regeneration area. They will then be considered by the local planning authority.

The Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Mike Freer, welcomed the proposals. He said: 'This is a major development that will deliver a new residential area of the highest quality, and which will also achieve the highest possible eco standards.

'It will enable us to deliver our policy to Protect, Enhance and Grow by providing a huge boost to employment while at the same time safeguarding the environment.'

The Development Director for the Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners, Jonathan Joseph, said: 'This application represents a unique opportunity to deliver the long recognised potential for regeneration in Brent Cross Cricklewood and create a thriving new town centre that will put this part of North West London firmly on the map.

'Our plans will bring new homes, jobs, shops, schools, parks and leisure facilities and the largest investment in transport and community infrastructure in the area's history. It is rare for London to get a new mainline station – and we will deliver one here.

'Climate change is a vitally important global issue and we will use the latest technologies to increase recycling, maximise the use of renewable fuel and reduce the scheme's carbon footprint.

'We firmly believe this is a scheme that will hugely benefit Barnet and London.'