Nearly 200 new affordable homes planned for Kodak site

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Development

A £320 million regeneration project on a former Kodak site is expected to create nearly 200 affordable and social housing homes.

The project in Harrow, green-lit by the council last night, aims to build an entire community from scratch across 40 acres of land which was once home to Kodak’s national headquarters.

A total of 985 new homes are planned, with 20% (197) earmarked for affordable and social housing.

The decade-long project on the site in Harrow View will be delivered by developers Land Securities.

It is claimed that there is potential to create 1,500 new jobs from the small to medium sized business enterprises that will take advantage of the 380,000 sq ft of new employment space over the next 15 years.

Also planned is a new primary school, a health centre which could include a GPs’ surgery, dentists, physio, crèche, pharmacy, and community centre.

Harrow Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Keith Ferry, said:  “This is a once in a lifetime chance to create a positive future for this important site and will leave a long lasting legacy for future generations.

“This area is at the economic heart of the borough and essential for the prosperity of the whole of Harrow.

“Its future matters to everyone who lives here. Despite the difficult economic climate, the council has worked hard with Land Securities to ensure the surrounding area is able to enjoy the benefits of this new investment.

“Not only are we providing much needed homes – we are creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment.”

The early phases of the project will focus on a ten acre plot of land in the south-eastern corner close to Harrow Crown Court.

The other section for immediate development will be 20 acres on the other side of Harrow View occupied by the former ‘Zoom Leisure’ sports centre, its car park, and playing fields.

The project is part of Harrow Council’s long-term vision for the regeneration of the borough called ‘The Heart of Harrow’.

The Heart of Harrow project aims to bring up to £1 billion of investment into the Borough, including new businesses, creating 3,000 jobs, building 2,800 new homes and delivering the infrastructure needed from parks and leisure to health and schools.

Land Securities Head of Development Collette O’Shea, added:  “We are absolutely delighted that Harrow Council has approved plans for the Kodak site, which will allow for the delivery of this important regeneration opportunity in North West London.

“It is very heartening for everyone who has been working hard in the preparation of this application.

“The support of Harrow Council and the Harrow and Wealdstone Intensification Area Forum, have been critical. Redevelopment of the Kodak site will bring about much-needed employment-led growth in the area.

“This committee decision is a great endorsement of the high-quality proposals and their sustainability.

“Since the earliest public events in 2010, it has become clear that the Kodak site is of great local interest with an important heritage legacy.

“These proposals will breathe new life into Harrow, create jobs and greatly enhance the public green space and amenities in the area enabling this genuinely inspirational place to be at the heart of the borough.”