Regal has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Great North Leisure Park

Regal has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Great North Leisure Park in Finchley in the London Borough of Barnet following the purchase of the site in March 2023. This ambitious project will transform over 11 acres of neglected and outdated site into a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood and a destination for health, wellbeing, and community connection.

Currently, Great North Leisure Park is a car-dominated, underutilised brownfield site, with large-format, low-density commercial leisure uses and over 80% of the area covered in hardstanding. Once central features of the area, the Council Leisure Centre and lido are outdated and have been deemed unfit for purpose by Barnet Council.

The proposals include 1502 mixed-tenure homes, including 23% affordable housing, along with nearly 28,000 square feet of flexible commercial space. At the core of this vision is a leisure centre that will anchor the new development. It will feature three indoor water areas, an outdoor lido overlooking the Glebelands, a sauna, steam room, gym, children’s play area, and multi-purpose studios.

The redevelopment will also deliver significant environmental and social benefits. Green spaces and public gardens will replace the current car-centric layout, with improved links to the Glebelands Open Space providing greater access to nature. Sustainability is at the forefront of the design, which prioritises energy efficiency, minimises environmental impact, and builds resilience to climate change. By promoting holistic health and wellbeing, the project is set to create a thriving and inclusive community hub.

The planning submission for Great North Leisure Park follows Regal JP’s submission for the redevelopment of the Lodge Lane Car Park at Lodge Lane, London, N12 8JH, 1.5km to the north of the retail park. This project represents a significant opportunity to transform a brownfield site into a vibrant and sustainable new part of North Finchley Town Centre, enhancing its role as a thriving community hub. The submission for Lodge Lane will be followed shortly by an outline submission for the wider North Finchley masterplan.

The proposed development at Lodge Lane includes 98 high-quality, sustainable apartments, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Ten percent of these homes will be wheelchair-accessible dwellings, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. The plans also feature nearly 30,500 sqft of modern commercial space, including a restaurant, cinema, and bowling alley, all aimed at creating a lively and active destination for residents and visitors.

A key feature of the redevelopment is a new public square, designed to serve as a central gathering space and to draw people into the town centre.

Steve Harrington, Planning Director, Regal commented

“Our plans for Great North Leisure Park represent a bold reimagining of a neglected site, unlocking its potential to become a vibrant destination for sports, leisure, and healthy living. Currently, the area is dominated by cars, so it feels unwelcoming and inaccessible to pedestrians. Our proposals will create a new neighbourhood, delivering new homes, a new leisure centre and new public spaces, truly putting this corner of Finchley on the map.”