Barratt London and Places for London have officially exchanged contracts on a transformative site in High Barnet, marking the second major project under their ambitious £1.9 billion West London Partnership. This decade-long collaboration, launched in June 2024, is set to deliver over 4,000 new homes across West London, with a significant focus on affordability and sustainability.
A Winning Partnership for London’s Future
The West London Partnership represents Places for London’s largest undertaking to date, spanning 60 acres of underutilised land across boroughs such as Barnet and Ealing, all boasting excellent transport links. Half of the homes delivered through the partnership will be affordable, fulfilling the pressing housing needs of Londoners.
Following a competitive tender process, Barratt London was appointed as the official delivery partner in 2022. The duo has already achieved notable successes, including the completed Blackhorse Road project in Waltham Forest and ongoing developments like Wembley Park Gardens, a 450-home site adjacent to Wembley Stadium. Construction will soon begin on a flagship 900-home development at Bollo Lane in Ealing, the partnership’s first formal project, with 100 affordable homes set to be delivered by 2025.
High Barnet’s Transformation
The High Barnet site, situated near the station, will see the creation of approximately 300 new homes, 40% of which will be affordable, alongside small-scale commercial spaces designed to enhance the area. The project aims to revitalise the station’s surroundings and provide much-needed housing for the borough’s residents. Construction is slated to commence in 2026, with project completion expected by 2029.
Beyond Housing: Community Impact
The partnership’s impact extends far beyond housing. It includes plans for 285,000 sq ft of commercial space, generating an estimated 9,600 jobs and supporting the next generation of construction professionals through Places for London’s Educational Engagement Programme. A dedicated £1.5 million investment will help promote diversity in the sector, nurture young talent, and retain future workforce members. Barratt London’s active involvement ensures practical training opportunities and community support.
Additionally, over £60 million will be channelled into local communities via Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy payments, alongside dedicated grants for local charities and organisations.
Pioneering Sustainability and Quality
Strong sustainability commitments underpin the West London Partnership, aligning Places for London’s Sustainability Development Framework with Barratt London’s ESG Strategy. Homes will achieve a Housing Quality Mark (HQM) 4.5 rating, while commercial units will meet BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting a joint commitment to creating vibrant, eco-conscious communities.
Voices of Leadership
Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, remarked:
“We are proud to collaborate with Places for London in delivering the next generation of high-quality homes. This partnership reflects our shared vision to repurpose underutilised land for public benefit while addressing London’s housing needs through sustainable and community-focused development.”
Jonathan Cornelius, Head of Property Development at Places for London, added:
“The West London Partnership is a testament to our commitment to creating thriving, connected neighbourhoods. Our work in High Barnet will revitalise the area and provide urgently needed homes, continuing our broader mission to deliver over 20,000 homes across London in the next decade.”
A Bright Future for High Barnet and Beyond
As construction progresses, the High Barnet project will stand as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community integration. Through this groundbreaking partnership, Barratt London and Places for London are reshaping the landscape of West London, ensuring a brighter future for residents and communities alike.
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