Hendon is witnessing an impressive surge in employment opportunities and community development as Berkeley’s St George delivers its ambitious Silkstream project.
The developer has announced that it has exceeded its initial target by more than two-thirds, creating 104 paid work placements and 101 work experience opportunities.
St George has been actively engaging with local educational institutions such as Barnet and Southgate College to connect with the community’s youth. More than 2,500 local students have participated in site visits, job fairs, and workshops, where they were provided with valuable insights into various career pathways available in the construction industry.
In just the first two years of the 10-year build programme, the Silkstream project has already generated 14 apprenticeship opportunities. This represents approximately 25% of the 54 apprenticeship positions that will be available over the course of the development’s lifecycle.
Steve Kirwan, Regional Managing Director at St George, expressed his delight with the company’s collaboration with local colleges and organizations, emphasizing the significant benefits that will be delivered to the community through the development. He stated, “We are delighted by the work we are doing with local colleges and organizations to help in employment and skills training for the local community. This is alongside the significant additional benefits for the local community which will be delivered by the development.”
The positive impact of Silkstream extends beyond employment opportunities. The development will contribute £16.7 million to the Council for improving social infrastructure in the area. It will also fund footpath enhancements, improvements to bus services, and upgrades to Hendon railway. Moreover, the project will provide 35% affordable housing for local residents and establish a new 1.5-acre public park.
Students who have been exposed to the Silkstream project have found it inspiring, with one of them sharing their experience, “It was great having the virtual presentations before our visit to the St George building site, especially hearing the different roles and career paths that are available in the construction industry and how St George supports you in developing your skills. One of the speakers mentioned that he was a scaffolder and is now a manager, that was very inspirational.”
Situated in Hendon, a key growth area, Silkstream aims to bring sustainable living to the forefront. St George has partnered with the London Wildlife Trust to plant 120 trees and ensure that 40% of the 9-acre site consists of public space. With these efforts, Silkstream is poised to achieve an impressive 895% net biodiversity gain. The development will also feature a new 1.5-acre public park, a 175-meter oxbow lake, enhanced cycle and pedestrian pathways, a restored section of the historic Silk Stream, communal terraces, and 1.4 acres of elevated podium gardens.
Residents of Silkstream will have access to over 200 nearby green spaces, including seven Green Flag-awarded parks, and 2,380 hectares of Green Belt land. Additionally, the proximity to Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp), Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, and Golders Hill Park offers a plethora of recreational opportunities.
Transport links are also excellent, with the upcoming Brent Cross West Station, set to open this year, providing a convenient 12-minute journey to Central London—the first major mainline train station built in the city in over a decade.
