The Hill Group has completed the purchase of Whalebones Park in Barnet, North London, with construction on a new housing development set to begin this October following planning approval.
The scheme will deliver 115 homes on land adjoining the Grade II listed Whalebones House, designed to balance modern housing needs with the character of the surrounding landscape. Of these, 54 will be built in partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to provide affordable housing through a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent.
The development will retain around half of the site—approximately two hectares—as public open space. This will include meadows, healing gardens, ponds, play areas, a woodland walk, a smallholding for the existing agricultural tenant, and new studio facilities for artists and beekeepers. On-site parking will also be provided.
Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “Whalebones Park is a site of outstanding beauty, and we’re proud to be entrusted with its future. Our plans respect the heritage of Whalebones House and the character of Barnet, while delivering a sustainable new neighbourhood. The development will include high-quality, spacious, modern family homes for private sale, designed for open-plan living with generous gardens, alongside much-needed affordable homes delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group to support the local community. With planning approval now secured, we look forward to creating a thriving, inclusive community that brings lasting benefits to Barnet.”
As well as delivering new homes, the scheme aims to enhance community life through natural play areas, accessible green routes, and improved cultural facilities.
Environmental measures form a significant part of the project. Plans include planting 200 new trees and 750 metres of hedgerow, achieving a 10% biodiversity net gain. Sustainable features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) will ensure the neighbourhood is low carbon and energy-efficient. A long-term management plan will also safeguard habitats and green infrastructure.
Matthew Bird, Regional Managing Director at SNG, said: “We are proud to be partnering with The Hill Group at Whalebones Park, a scheme that demonstrates how affordable homes can be integrated into high-quality, sustainable developments. Our 54 homes here will provide much-needed opportunities for local people to access affordable rent and shared ownership in Barnet, supported by the wider benefits of new open space and community facilities.”
Construction at Whalebones Park is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by summer 2027.
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