Redrow has been selected as the preferred bidder to regenerate the historic police training centre in Hendon , north London.
The London mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime confirmed that it had appointed the housebuilder to purchase land not required for policing operational needs and redevelop the site.
Following a successful three-month procurement process, Redrow will now work with Barnet council to develop its plans further.
Redrow’s plans include more than 1,650 new homes, cycle routes, shops and a primary school and nursery.
A planning application is expected to be submitted for the site in the first half of next year, following a public consultation.
The deal will enable MOPAC to invest in the development of a new police training and operational facility. It will be located on a smaller part of the site, which MOPAC is retaining for the Metropolitan Police Service operational use. Work on this part of the site is due to start early next year.
The 54-acre site is already identified for regeneration by the Greater London Authority and by Barnet as a part of its Colindale Area Action Plan.
The Hendon site was the first major scheme to be released through the new London Development Panel which was set up by the mayor to fast track the disposal of public land to boost construction and housing.
This sale is part of a wider strategy by MOPAC to dispose of underused land and buildings which will save £60m in running costs and help the force protect front-line policing.
Stephen Greenhalgh, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Not only will it create a thriving new neighbourhood complete with jobs, homes, schools and parks but it will also secure the future of Hendon’s iconic Peel Centre as one of the best police training grounds in the world.
“This deal is a key plank of our plan to slim down and modernise the Met estate while allowing us to reinvest the sale proceeds into frontline policing.
“Savings from the redevelopment of Hendon will help us keep officer numbers high and deliver police buildings and infrastructure that are fit for the 21st century.”
Annabel.Dixon@estatesgazette.com
