Transformative Harrow project gets planning approval

Above: CGI from Sheppard Robson of development on the former Harrow Civic Centre site

Sheppard Robson has been given a green light for the transformation of the former Harrow Civic Centre site. The partnership between Wates Residential and London Borough of Harrow will deliver 1,058 new homes organised around Poets Garden - a new public green space at the heart of the development.

According to Sheppard Robson:

'The scheme enhances connectivity through the site, creating a new well-lit pedestrian link between Station Road and Harrow & Wealdstone Station via the new Community Square, located adjacent to Harrow Mosque, providing over 8,000sqm of public open space. Active ground floor frontages animate the public realm, with residential entrances, amenity spaces, and strategically placed commercial and retail uses on key corners creating an energetic street presence.

'The massing responds to the different characters around the site: the tallest building (15 storeys) – part of the third phase approved in outline – is located on Station Road, acting as a focal point along this important route and acknowledging the crossing point over the railway. The heights of the buildings step down from this to recognise the more suburban residential character that surrounds the other sides of the site, including eight townhouses that line the western edge of the project.

'The first phase of development will deliver over 500 Build to Rent and affordable homes across five buildings. The five apartment buildings will provide a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with over 70% achieving dual, triple or secondary aspects. Every BTR home will benefit from private outdoor space, while BTR residents will share over 850sqm of communal amenity areas, including three accessible roof terraces.

'At ground level on Phase 1, retail space and flexible BTR amenity space will help animate the public realm, supported by extensive cycle provision with 944 secure spaces. The scheme demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving the site's natural heritage through the retention of over 100 existing trees, including 40 mature specimens throughout both phases.

The multi-use games area on the corner of Milton Road and the Permeable Garden invites existing and new residents to meet and mingle.

'Future phases of development, approved in outline, will complement the initial delivery with another 500 homes. These will be supported by a minimum of 1,300sqm of flexible commercial and community space, with the outline approval establishing the framework for further public realm improvements and circulation routes that will complete the neighbourhood vision.

'A minimum of 25% of homes (measured by habitable room) in Phase 1 will be defined as Affordable tenure (with opportunities to further maximise affordable housing being explored), with this new community sitting next to a 100% affordable development on Milton Road, also designed by Sheppard Robson, due for completion later this year and creating 36 new apartments and townhouses. Twelve of these homes are available for council rent, and 24 are part of the shared ownership scheme.

'The development's cohesive designs reference the site's civic heritage, with the new architectural language referencing design moves found in the old civic centre. The partnership will also explore the repurposing of parts of the civic centre and existing landscaping, embedding them within the new designs, reducing carbon emissions. Where feasible, important cultural elements will also be retained – such as the Kodak Mural, which depicts photos of the history of Harrow – preserving a sense of vibrancy and colour that is also interwoven into the new community vision.

Charles Scott, Associate Partner at Sheppard Robson, said: "We're delighted that planning permission has been granted for this transformative project that will create a vibrant new heart for Harrow. The approved scheme strikes the right balance between respecting the civic heritage of this important site while delivering the quality homes and community spaces that Harrow needs for the future.

"The planning approval enables us to move forward with a development that opens up to the high street, with buildings that announce the arrival of a new community and invite people to explore the sequence of new green spaces that will embed this development into the existing neighbourhood."

Paul Nicholls, London Regional Managing Director, Wates Residential said: “Poets Corner is a game-changer for Harrow and for London. Securing planning permission for over 1,000 new homes is an exciting step forward – not just in terms of numbers, but in the quality of place we’re creating.

“This is about more than housing. It’s about shaping a vibrant, inclusive environment with green spaces, active streets and homes people are proud to live in. We’re thrilled to be working with London Borough of Harrow to bring this vision to life.”