Harrow Council to appoint private regeneration partner after call-in

Its cabinet confirmed it will work with a private sector delivery partner for three council-owned sites in Peel Road, Poet’s Corner and Byron Quarter.

This will cover 100,000 sq ft of mixed-use development, including 1,500 new homes and a new civic centre in Wealdstone.

Conservative councillors questioned the move, and it was subject to a sub-committee call-in after 11 members signed a document outlining their concerns.

They said there had been inadequate consultation with stakeholders and inadequate evidence on which to make such a decision, particularly on the exclusion of another council-owned car park in Greenhill Way.

They also said it was not in-keeping with the council’s policy and budget and believe insufficient consideration was given to legal and financial advice.

The call-in committee agreed there could have been greater transparency around the exclusion of the Greenhill Way site.

This was noted by the council, who explained it was not considered based on advice from external consultants who recommended that, given its size and location, the site be part of a development or joint venture agreement.

Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for regeneration at Harrow Council, said the administration was now looking forward to delivering this major regeneration project.

He said: “It’s time for us to get building. We’ve put in the hard yards here at the council – and now we have cabinet approval and public support for a dynamic mix of development across some of the best sites that Harrow has to offer.

“We’re now looking for a partner with the experience, expertise and commitment to see these projects through – and to share our aspirations for what we believe Wealdstone can become.”

The procurement process will be managed by real estate company Avison Young, who said that “this part of Harrow is currently undervalued and has significant latent potential for growth.”