B&Q Site, Cricklewood Lane, London NW2

Site

B&Q Site Broadway Retail Park, Cricklewood Lane, London NW2 

Proposed Development

The B&Q Cricklewood scheme is a major residential-led, mixed-use regeneration project.

The outline planning application secured permission for the demolition of the existing retail warehouse and car park and the comprehensive redevelopment of the site to deliver:

• Up to 1,049 new homes (market, rental, and affordable)
• Up to 1,200 sqm of flexible commercial and community floorspace
• Buildings ranging from 3 to 18 storeys
• Extensive new public realm, including a significant new town square and 46% landscaped open space
• Enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes, including a new north-south green link
• A safeguarded area for a potential future second entrance to Cricklewood Station

Key Objectives and Benefits

• Deliver much-needed housing on an underutilised brownfield site
• Provide a new civic focal point and major public square capable of hosting events
• Enhance and integrate Cricklewood Green and Kara Way Playground
• Improve connections to Cricklewood Station and the wider town centre
• Remove the existing “rat-run” through the car park and reduce traffic conflicts
• Improve safety, surveillance, biodiversity, and sustainable drainage
• Contribute to the economic vitality of Cricklewood through new residents and commercial space
• Create high-quality architecture that respects local character and nearby heritage assets
• Implement sustainable design principles in response to climate and placemaking priorities

Consultation

The scheme was shaped through extensive engagement, including:

• Multiple pre-application meetings with London Borough of Barnet and the GLA
• A well-attended public consultation
• Numerous meetings with residents’ associations and community groups

Issues

Local opposition: more than 2,000 objections from residents over issues such as height, massing, scale, impact on infrastructure. 

Outcome

The application was approved by Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee.

However was subsequently called in by the Secretary of State. This resulted in a 7-day Public Inquiry. The result of which led the Planning Inspector to conclude that the benefits of the scheme significantly weighed in its favour. The Secretary of State accepted the Inspectors recommendations and approved the application. 

Development Team

Client: Montreaux Cricklewood Developments Ltd

Architecture: Principal Designer EPR Architects

Planning: Quod

Affordable Housing: Montagu Evans

Transport: Entran

Built Heritage & Townscape Viability Impact: Montagu Evans

Public Engagement: CT Group / Iceni

Fire: Elementa Consulting

Daylight Sunlight, Overshadowing: GIA

MEP & Utilities: Meinhardt Group

Energy & Sustainability: Meinhardt Group

EIA Management: AECOM

Verified Views: Cityscape