Transport for London (TfL) and Catalyst Housing have signed contracts to deliver around 500 new affordable homes in the London Borough of Harrow.
TfL picked Catalyst earlier in 2019 for the project, which will involve redeveloping three car parks in the borough of Harrow to deliver around 500 homes, all of which will be affordable, next to Rayner’s Lane, Canons Park and Stanmore Tube stations. As well as providing new homes, the plans include providing improved step-free access by installing a passenger lift at Stanmore Tube station and new retail space, as well as improving the public space around the stations. The development proposals retain some parking, though the partners say they are also encouraging a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, including through enhanced cycling facilities.
Catalyst was selected to bring the project forward earlier this year using the Greater London Authority’s ‘London Development Panel 2’ (LDP2) framework.
Catalyst and TfL have already started to engage with the local community and stakeholders to further develop proposals for the sites. The second round of consultation, showcasing more detailed designs and masterplans, will take place later in 2019 ahead of submitting planning applications.
Philip Jenkins, Catalyst Group Development Director, said: “There is a substantial shortage of housing in the UK, especially in London. This project will enable us to do what we do best – provide well-designed, affordable new homes for people who couldn’t afford them without our help.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Transport for London and Harrow Council to build good quality, affordable homes in prime London locations, to help ease the housing crisis.”
Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial Development at TfL, said: “We’re delighted to have signed contracts with Catalyst and to be working with them to deliver hundreds of affordable homes at these prime locations next to Tube stations. These sites offer us a fantastic opportunity to deliver the homes that the capital desperately need, while also generating significant revenue to reinvest into the transport network.”
