Illustrative view looking north along The Burroughs
Barnet Council’s plans for transforming rundown buildings on The Burroughs and Church End in Hendon, including provision of a new library, enhanced public spaces, and facilities for Middlesex University, have been put forward for review in a public consultation launched today (26 February).
Residents have until 21 May to share their views on the scheme, known as the ‘Hendon Hub’, which would see the development of The Burroughs and other nearby sites to integrate new academic and public spaces. Barnet Council is working with Middlesex University and Barnet Library Services to deliver the new scheme. Details of the Hendon Hub, and the consultation, are available on the scheme’s website: www.hendonhub.co.uk
Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “Our commitment to creating a thriving, family-friendly place to live, work and study are at the heart of our plans for the Hendon Hub. I am delighted that we can invest in bringing exciting new community spaces and academic facilities to the Hendon area, replacing the rundown buildings on The Burroughs and Church End with modern, attractive buildings and public spaces. These are facilities designed to be used by all.
“We encourage everyone to take part in the public consultation, as we want to hear thoughts on what further benefits for the local community we could provide as part of this project.”
James Kennedy, Deputy Chief Executive at Middlesex University, added: “Middlesex University is proud to be part of this community and we are committed to working in partnership with local residents on the first stage of consultation on the Hendon Hub proposals.
“We urge all members of the community to make their voices heard including residents, local businesses and university staff and students.
“This consultation offers opportunities for residents to provide invaluable feedback and help shape the proposals which are very important to the future of our University. We are also setting up a University and Residents Forum to enhance collaboration between the University and local residents.”
The council is working in partnership with Middlesex University and other organisations, such as Barnet Library Service, on the Hendon Hub. The scheme includes a new public library, university teaching space and student accommodation, and improved public open spaces.
A set of consultation boards that provide detail on the proposals is available on www.hendonhub.co.uk. There will also be virtual presentations, where the project team will be able to talk through the plans in more detail and answer your questions. The events are on:
- Thursday 4 March 2021
- Monday 8 March 2021
- Tuesday 9 March 2021
- Thursday 18 March 2021
All events will run 6pm - 7.30pm and will cover specific parts of the project. Please see www.hendonhub.co.uk for more details on the events and how to attend them.
The proposals include:
- An outstanding new public library for Hendon, with more modern and improved services
- Improved accommodation for the community and charity groups currently based in the Meritage Centre on Church End
- Improved green spaces around The Burroughs and the Prince of Wales Estate
- Potential replacement PDSA Pet Hospital
- New teaching facilities for Middlesex University, including an arts and creative industries building
- New student accommodation that will replace, not add to, the accommodation currently being used by students locally, and elsewhere in London
This innovative project would generate approximately £1.6million of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which can be used to support infrastructure investment and local projects. This is one of the many benefits of this project that the council has identified and is keen to hear from residents on the plans, the benefits, how they can be improved and how the potential CIL money is spent.
Cllr Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of Barnet Council’s Community Leadership and Libraries Committee, said: “The current Hendon Library is a beautiful building, but its maintenance and upkeep costs a lot of money that would be better spent on providing a modern library service. The Hendon Hub project is a fantastic opportunity to improve our offer to Hendon residents.”
More information about the project and how to take part in the consultation can be found at: www.hendonhub.co.uk