1. Economic environment
The growth of Barnet will be led by the development of three strategic growth areas of
Brent Cross/Cricklewood (a flagship scheme, which on its own will lever in £4.5bn during
its twenty year development programme) Colindale and Mill Hill East. In addition to the
strategic growth areas, Barnet’s established town centres will also add growth, capacity
and enhancement to the Borough with particular emphasis on Edgware, North Finchley,
Finchley Central, New Barnet, West Hendon, Whetstone and Chipping Barnet in total
contributing over 1,000 sustainable new homes in core highly accessible locations.
The investment required to achieve growth targets and deliver the aspirations of the
Borough represents a significant challenge, both in terms of delivering housing and
facilities to serve the Borough’s growing population, but also in ensuring that established
green belt and public open space and the traditional suburban character of Barnet is
safeguarded. The additional burden the growth of the Borough will put on local
infrastructure such as schools, transport and healthcare will also need to be managed
effectively requiring the development of substantial new and upgraded infrastructure to
support both existing and new communities.