The building of 167 new energy efficient homes, together with a replacement library and a high quality commercial space, was celebrated last week in Ponders End during a joint visit arranged by Enfield Council and developer Lovell.
The £46m ‘Electric Quarter’ scheme, which has been co-ordinated by Enfield Council, is due for completion in early 2019 and will see the former Middlesex University site in Ponders End High Street transformed with new homes along with shops and other commercial units.
The development will comprise of one to four bedroomed homes, 52 of which will be ‘affordable’, for shared ownership and intermediate rent, and all the new homes will be built to high energy-efficiency standards achieving Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Outdoor space will be maximised, and additional play space will be provided for children.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing & Housing Regeneration, Cllr Ahmet Oykener, said: “We urgently need more homes in Enfield to cope with population growth, and this new development will go some way towards bridging the gap.
“Enfield Council is absolutely committed to improving and increasing the supply of housing in this borough to tackle the current pressure we are experiencing and this development will play a key role in increasing the amount of housing stock available in Enfield for residents.“
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration & Business, Cllr Alan Sitkin, said “This fantastic scheme will help provide work and training for local people and will make Ponders End an even more attractive local shopping area.
“It’s great to hear that Lovell is providing up to 14 work experience and construction apprenticeships opportunities on this scheme and that at least 30 per cent of its construction workers are going to come from the local area.”
Lovell Regional Director Michael O’Farrell said “We’re proud to be bringing our expertise in mixed-use regeneration to this important scheme which is delivering modern and attractive affordable and open market sale homes for Enfield, alongside new retail and commercial and community facilities as well as important legacy benefits in the shape of job and training opportunities for local people.”