A project for Dandi Living to redevelop an old three storey office building near Harrow and Wealdstone Station got planning permission last week. It will create new co-living units, internal amenity space, and commercial space. We want to take a closer look at the plans here. Then, if you want estate management in Harrow, you can rely on us.

Redevelopment

In the past, Harrow was home to a huge Kodak factory. In the 50s it was 55 acres and had over 6,000 workers. However, by 2016 there had been a huge drop in business and only 250 were working there. Ultimately, the company chose to close the factory and sell the site. It is now in the midst of redevelopment, becoming Eastman Village. There will be over 2,000 new homes, a park, and plenty of amenities.

Just in front of Eastman Village is an old office building that was formerly used by Kodak for administrative work. However, a project to redevelop it now has planning permission. The existing property will be demolished, creating a brand new co-living building. It will provide 223 units.

The plans

In place of the old office building, we will get a modern property. It will be 30m tall at the highest point. The design is for two blocks, part eight, seven, and six storeys, with a single storey section to connect them. As a top provider of estate management in Harrow, we love to see stunning buildings come to life and create new homes.

As we said, there will be 223 co-living units. They will each have a bedroom and private bathroom. There will then be shared facilities in the building such as kitchens, dining space, communal space, roof terraces, and laundry facilities. A gym, games room, yoga studio, and cycle storage are also part of the plans.

As well as homes and amenities, the new property will have flexible commercial space. There will be over 1,500sq/m on the ground and first floors of the east block. The designer says it could be suitable for various uses, including offices, R&D, or light industrial.

Concerns

There have been some concerns about the proposals. A resident of the neighbouring Goldstone Court said the height of the new buildings will block sunlight and cause a loss of privacy.

Another concern is the impact on the local transport infrastructure. The site is within easy walking distance of Harrow and Wealdstone Station. It is important for commuting, but is said to be a very busy station. The fear is the influx of new residents would make things worse, especially during peak times.

Council comments

In considering their decision, Harrow Council offices did acknowledge there are “some shortfalls” with the plans. However, they were not substantial enough to deny planning permission, especially because this is an Opportunity Area suitable for new homes. Planning officers had also already given a recommendation to approve it.

Do you want to arrange estate management in Harrow?

Finefair Ltd understands the unique housing market in London. It is completely different to any other location in the UK. You can find individual areas to suit any kind of strategy, from suburban districts perfect for families to busy urban spots with high demand from students and professionals. The housing mix is exceptional too, including large homes, modern blocks, and numerous estates.

Our goal is to help clients arrange the best management and guaranteed rent solutions for various assets. We also do portfolio reviews, HMOs, and more. So, if you need estate management in Harrow or any other service, please contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss options with you.