Barnet Council is seeking active participation from Burnt Oak residents to shape the future of Burnt Oak Town Centre through a comprehensive consultation.
The initiative aims to enhance the public space in the town centre, and it builds upon the community’s engagement in the Burnt Oak Town Centre Strategy facilitated by the Burnt Oak Partnership Board.
To achieve this vision, the council has partnered with Erect Architecture, who is leading an engagement program involving the Burnt Oak community and local organizations such as Inclusion Barnet and UNITAS. The goal is to collaboratively design an inclusive town centre that reflects the unique character and historical significance of Burnt Oak.
Residents are encouraged to take part by completing an online questionnaire available at www.engage.barnet.gov.uk/burnt-oak-town-centre-public-consultation or by obtaining a paper copy from Burnt Oak Library.
Additionally, those interested in more interactive engagement can participate in in-person events and design workshops by emailing burntoak@erectarchitecture.co.uk.
Cllr Anne Clarke, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building said: “We would like to thank all the residents who have already participated in this project, including those involved through the Burnt Oak Partnership Board.
“Now we want to hear everyone’s feedback, particularly from local residents who live, work, shop, study, or own businesses in the area. Your valuable insights will continue to help us make informed design decisions to improve the public space in Burnt Oak Town Centre.
“I would also like to invite residents to join the Burnt Oak Partnership Board which meets regularly to keep the community updated on town centre projects.”
The Burnt Oak Town Centre Plan was initiated in November 2015 when the London Borough of Barnet appointed a design team. Funding from the GLA’s High Street Fund has been secured to execute several short-term proposals that form an essential part of the overall, longer-term plan.
The main aims of the project are to establish a distinct identity for Burnt Oak, strengthen existing economic assets while diversifying the economic base, transform the streetscape of the town centre to create a pleasant place for both residents and businesses.
Burnt Oak town centre, situated across three boroughs – Barnet, Brent, and Harrow, still retains its characterful buildings and landmarks. However, many of these structures are in a poor state, and the shop parades, though architecturally valuable, require improvements as the shop units tend to have disorderly displays on the street.
In recent times, Burnt Oak has experienced a transient population consisting of diverse migrant groups. As new populations have come in, businesses in the town centre have adapted their produce to suit the changing demographics. Despite these challenges, the town centre houses several fully operational community assets, including the Library and Love Burnt Oak.
This consultation offers a significant opportunity for Burnt Oak residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their town centre.
For more information or to get involved in shaping the future of Burnt Oak Town Centre, interested parties can contact towncentres@barnet.gov.uk.
