Enfield Council's Cabinet agreed that after a robust evaluation of four very strong bids, developer Galliford Try Partnerships is best placed to deliver on value, quality, design and financial robustness.
In all, 17 developers and housing associations expressed an interest in delivering Meridian One; 10 submitted bids and four were shortlisted – Galliford Try, L&Q, Peabody and Redrow.
The first homes, which will include a significant number of affordable units, will be built by 2022. These will be complemented by new public squares, shops and leisure facilities. The new homes will be delivered around the new Meridian Water train station, which is due to open next month and serve up to four million rail passengers a year. Outline planning permission is already in place for the new homes, with construction enabling work having started in January 2017.
The first phase forms part of the £6 billion Meridian Water development, which will deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs, alongside world-class public spaces, community facilities and road and rail networks.
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Enfield Council's Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: "When elected Leader in May 2018, I committed that the Council would get Meridian Water back on track. Within less than 12 months, we have done just that.
"This is the start of a bright new era for Meridian Water and we welcome Galliford Try Partnerships to the team. We are extremely excited to be working with Galliford Try as they have demonstrated that they will be able to deliver quality, well-designed homes in a timely manner and social infrastructure that reflects the Meridian Water vision.
"This is a clear demonstration of the progress we are making and the confidence the development community has shown in the Council to deliver one of London's most exciting regeneration projects. "I see Meridian Water as an extension of the local community and I am confident that Galliford Try will deliver a scheme that will benefit local people and the community first and foremost and in addition, will provide affordable homes and quality jobs in Enfield."
Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive of Galliford Try Partnerships, said: "We are delighted to have been selected to work in close partnership with Enfield Council and the local communities on the delivery of Meridian One as a new vibrant mixed-use, mixed-tenure neighbourhood. We will create an environment for local people to thrive – providing quality affordable homes, opportunities for local start-up businesses to flourish, great public spaces and a design which celebrates the parkland character of the Lea Valley. It is a great opportunity to demonstrate responsible and accountable regeneration through a responsible, accountable partnership."
The search for a new developer for Meridian Two, at Leeside Road has also started. The scheme will deliver circa 250 affordable homes with workspace on the lower floors, earmarked to bring makers and creators to the area.
The appointment of Galliford Try Partnerships as the Master Developer for Meridian One is subject to call in, the statutory stand-still period and is also subject to contract.
