Transformative plans for Great North Leisure Park

Reimagining Great North Leisure Park (GNLP), JTP and Regal have submitted a detailed planning  application to the London Borough of Barnet to transform an underutilised, car-dominated  brownfield site into a residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood that focusses on health and  wellbeing. 

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 multiple 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 verdant 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 High Road to Glebelands, establishing new east-west routes for people and  wildlife. 

JTP and Regal have submitted a detailed planning  application to the London Borough of Barnet to transform an underutilised, car-dominated  brownfield site 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. A sequence of inviting public spaces will guide  visitors toward commercial uses featuring local amenities such as cafés, restaurants, and shops,  fostering a lively, pedestrian-friendly environment. 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, creating a sustainable, healthy place to live. 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 Barnet  planning officers, neighbourhood associations, and local residents – directly influencing the plans.  

Nigel Bidwell, Partner at JTP commented “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.”