Barnet Council has taken a significant step to address its housing challenges by partnering with developer Redrow Homes.
The council’s recent decision to secure 249 new-build homes for affordable rent marks a pivotal move in its commitment to meet the demand for accessible housing in the borough.
Following a unanimous vote by the Cabinet Members in June, Barnet Council’s purchase agreement with Redrow Homes is a substantial stride towards achieving its target of delivering 1,000 new affordable homes by 2026. The partnership is set to provide an effective solution to the housing shortage, ensuring that local residents have access to quality and reasonably priced accommodations.
The upcoming properties are an integral part of the Colindale Gardens development which comprises 42 three-bedroom family homes and 40 homes designed to be wheelchair adaptable, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and catering to the needs of different households.
The housing initiative is planned in two phases, with the majority of the new homes available for rent starting from October 2023. The remaining units will become accessible to residents in January 2024, optimizing the integration of these properties into the community.
Barnet Council’s acquisition of the 249 homes will be facilitated through its Housing Revenue Account, with property management falling under the responsibility of Barnet Homes. This strategic move adds to Barnet Homes’ existing portfolio of 13,000 properties across the borough, furthering the council’s commitment to bolster social housing offerings for its residents.
Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, welcomed the announcement: “As a council, we care for our people and that means providing high quality, affordable housing. We have seized this unique opportunity to take a big step forward in our commitment to deliver 1,000 council homes by 2026.
“It represents really good value for money and will make considerable savings on temporary accommodation costs the moment new tenants are able to move in this year.
“Delivering the right homes to meet diverse needs now and for future generations, that people can afford and are in the right places, is a key priority and challenge for the council. We are London’s second largest borough by population but have the sixth lowest stock of social housing.
“Many of our residents are deeply affected by the acute housing shortage and sky-high rents, so providing more genuinely affordable housing will help those at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Paul Muldowney, Managing Director of Redrow London Division, commented: “At Redrow, our commitment to the local community and creating great places to live serves as the driving force behind our collaboration with Barnet Council.
“We believe that everyone should have access to secure, comfortable, and affordable housing, with this partnership marking a step towards making this vision into a tangible reality.
“We’re proud that Colindale Gardens offers high specification apartments surrounded by open green space yet close to excellent amenities and travel links to enjoy the best of the city.
“In providing 249 new homes for affordable rent, we look forward to seeing our homes become vibrant spaces which seek to provide not just housing, but the foundation for a thriving community.”
