Howbury Centre to Lead Regeneration in Slade Green
Guidelines for future development and regeneration of the Howbury Centre site in Slade Green have been adopted by the Cabinet Member Councillor John Waters.
“This Howbury Regeneration brief supports the Council’s aims of securing a viable and socially and environmentally sustainable redevelopment that will help to regenerate the Slade Green area.
“With high quality design features, a mix of housing, the creation of new public spaces, including public art, purpose built community facilities and improved connections to and through Slade Green, this development will bring real improvements to local people,” Cllr Waters said today.
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their input to the draft Howbury Regeneration Brief and I have noted the concern about the ongoing provision of community space.
“Local residents can be assured that through a phased approach to the development community facilities will continue to be available until the new facility is open for business,” Cllr Waters said.
The Council has announced the appointment of WM Enterprise to undertake community research to comprehensively assess local community needs. Their work will inform the design of a new community space on the Howbury Centre site.
“This is an exciting opportunity to provide purpose built facilities that will meet the needs and aspirations of the community,” Cllr Waters added. “When considered alongside a new library, much needed public space provision, children’s play areas and a Police office, the benefits to the people of Slade Green are significant.”
Other key areas covered in the brief that will bring additional improvements are designing in community safety, reducing environmental impact of the development, increasing pedestrian and cycle access and a small amount of retail space.
Regarding community safety, the developers will need to consult local police to discuss the application of design principles that increase community security.
To reduce environmental impact, all buildings will incorporate the use of energy efficient technology and renewable energy to meet the target 20% reduction of carbon emissions.
The brief allows for the creation of a small centre for a limited amount of shopping, other additional uses could include doctors’ or dentists’ surgeries, education uses and places of worship.
Bringing community uses together with a limited amount of new shopping and new public space could provide an opportunity to create a new heart for Slade Green.
“This project represents a significant regeneration opportunity that will lead the way in improving development standards and quality design for Slade Green, and confirms the Council’s commitment to improving the quality of life of people living and working in the area,” said Cllr Waters.
