A destination for sports, leisure, and healthy living, GLNP will become a sustainable landscape-led neighbourhood comprising 1,502 dwellings, including 23% affordable housing, 2,500 sqm of commercial space and communal green spaces, alongside the re-provision of an enhanced leisure facility. Set within a welcoming civic square, the new Finchley Leisure Centre and Lido will anchor the heart of the new community and include swimming pools, a sauna, steam room, gym, multi-purpose studios, and an outdoor lido, complemented with an indoor children’s play area, an event space and café.

Nestled in one of the greenest boroughs of London, the currently grey and car-dominated site will be transformed into a patchwork of landscape, weaving into the neighbouring Glebelands open space. The proposals will introduce two hectares of new public open space, 325 new trees, and integrate over 8,300 sqm of green roofs, delivering a 157% biodiversity net gain and fostering an ecologically rich environment. Residential gardens and streets will offer a generous network of green spaces connecting the Finchley High Road to Glebelands, establishing new east-west routes for people and wildlife.

The masterplan is structured around four character areas, each crafted to complement their context and surroundings. Together, these create a layered architecture that blends building types, heights, and styles to form a rich and varied neighbourhood. Bright colors, textured brickwork, and colonnades will add further character and charm to the streetscape.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the design. Embracing environmental, economic, and social objectives, GNLP reflects a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions beyond Building Regulations for the residential component, and achieves a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions against Building Regulations for the non-residential elements. Prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, the design will improve connectivity between the High Road, the Leisure Centre, and Glebelands, with the majority of the site remaining car-free creating an Air Quality Positive new place.

From the outset, the proposals for GNLP have been shaped by extensive consultation and engagement. Over three stages of consultation, over 22,000 newsletters were distributed locally, and a dedicated project website launched attracting over 5,700 views. Numerous public events were attended by more than 400 people, along with input from local stakeholders – including London Borough of Barnet planning officers, neighbourhood associations, and local residents – directly influencing the plans.

 “This project is a true collaboration, driven by our shared vision of creating places where life in all senses can flourish. By bringing together health, sports, and leisure facilities within a residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood, GNLP will transform this fragmented part of Finchley into a vibrant, biodiverse, and connected community for everyone.”

– Nigel Bidwell, Partner at JTP