Architectural approach
The architectural approach establishes a distinct identity and creates a unique look and feel, while still fitting in with the local area and integrating with the approved regeneration of the Broadwalk Shopping Centre. The residential development takes inspiration from the style of buildings in Edgware’s 1920s and 1930s “Metro-land” era, to ensure it is familiar and respectful to its surroundings. The buildings will have a warm brick exterior with a neat, repeating pattern of windows. There will be eye-catching details at the top and bottom, whilst parts of the site will include standout landmark features to help create a sense of place and make it easy to identify different areas of the new development.
Images used for the inspiration of the architectural approach
Active Travel First
This site is at the heart of a network of public transport links, including buses and the tube, and is surrounded by a dense road network which allows for easy access into and across London as well as into the Home Counties. As such a sustainable location, our plans promote active travel options such as walking, cycling (including bike storage and e-bikes), and public transport. Space for private car parking is minimised because the GLA requires this under London-wide planning policy, to minimise the impact on the local road network. However, there is allowance made for disabled parking and car clubs.
Complementing the High Street
This currently vacant and disused site will provide a range of opportunities for small businesses to complement the existing retail offering on the High Street.
Whilst the exact types of businesses are yet to be confirmed, we have been reassured at the types of businesses and services that local residents have already stated that they would like to see established in the Edgware to enhance the choice that people have for shopping, leisure, and outdoor entertainment.
A variety of play space, as well as benches and new planting, are also proposed, to enhance the public space for people visiting a destination on the site, or who are simply walking through, creating new, active routes throughout the site.
Sustainability
The development will take a comprehensive approach to sustainability by improving energy efficiency, enhancing biodiversity, and applying circular economy principles, unlocking a range of social, economic, and environmental benefits.
These sustainable features include green roofs, the creation of ecological corridors and flood-resilient drainage systems, while promoting active travel and electric vehicle use. Homes will benefit from good daylight, low energy use, and overheating mitigation. A communal heating system using Air Source Heat Pumps is planned. The Railway Hotel will be carefully and sensitively upgraded to improve its energy performance while preserving its heritage.
Sustainability benefits
- Green roofs for amenity, habitat, flood attenuation, and heat reduction
- Ecological corridor at Fairfield Gardens
- Enhancement of local plant species
- Wildlife corridors and biodiversity improvements
- Attenuation basins and SuDS for drainage and flood mitigation
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Communal Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system for heating and domestic hot water
- High-performance double-glazed windows
- Glazing ratios coordinated to balance daylight and overheating
- Fabric-first approach with low U-values and air permeability
- Heat Recovery systems for ventilation
- Fossil fuel-free heating strategy
- Solar PV integration
- Commercial spaces targeting at least BREEAM Very Good
Environmental Impact Assessment
As part of the planning process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report has been submitted to Barnet Council. This report helps to identify the key environmental factors that should be carefully considered. An EIA Scoping Report is not a planning application.
The Scoping Report identifies the maximum parameters of development and does not pre-judge consultation. A Scoping Report has to be submitted well in advance of the submission of the planning application and this approach offers flexibility to refine our scheme within the parameters identified as we discuss our plans with key stakeholders.
Once submitted, the Local Planning Authority will provide an EIA Scoping Opinion, which will guide the detailed environmental assessments. These findings will inform and be presented in an Environmental Statement (ES) as part of the planning application.
Timeline
September
2025
Public engagement exercise to inform and gather feedback from community and stakeholders on emerging proposals for The Railway Hotel
October
2025
Review of first consultation feedback
November
2025
"You said, we did" second public engagement exercise with final proposals
December
2025
Review feedback and submission of planning application to Barnet Council
Spring
2026
Anticipated decision on the application by Barnet Council.