Mobilise and Matter brought forward a number of high-level design options to explore how the community hub could be expanded.
The regeneration of the West Hendon Estate, being delivered by a partnership between the London Borough of Barnet, Barratt London, and Metropolitan Housing Trust, involves demolishing 650 homes and replacing them with over 2,000 new ones in a mix of private and affordable accommodation with a range of benefits including a new community centre.
The Project
The West Hendon community centre was originally due to be built adjacent to the new school with a floor area of 500sqm, however this plan changed when it became clear that the new school would need the whole site. A temporary community hub was delivered by Barratt, and residents voted to keep their future community hub in the same location, with a plan to expand it into the adjacent boiler room.
Mobilise was appointed to work alongside Matter Architecture to deliver a feasibility study with an outline business case for an expanded and improved community hub for the estate.
Our Approach
The work included refreshing the community mapping of nearby community facilities and services, public engagement activities, a community survey, and the formation of a community reference group who were supported to ensure community oversight of this work. Mobilise and Matter brought forward a number of high-level design options to explore how the community hub could be expanded. Different management models were explored and a robust business case helped secure approval from Barnet Council.
Impact
The resulting business case reflected resident views while providing valuable financial analysis to ensure the new proposed entity will be viable in the long term.