Finchley Square Public Consultation – Project Update

Barnet Council is committed to improving its residents’ lives and making its high streets great places to visit, work, learn, shop, invest and socialise.

To support the town centre and the high street in Finchley Central, the Council is developing designs to improve the public space and create a new public square. The initial design proposals are now ready and available to view and comment on until the 18th of September.  The Council would like feedback on the designs from local residents, businesses, organisations and groups.

This consultation is happening alongside the work of cultural curator make:good, who are helping to co-curate events and activities in the town centre with the local community.   The Council hopes that you will also contribute ideas for events and activities you would like to happen in Finchley Central and the new public space.

Background

In 2017, the Council appointed a team to undertake research and consultation with the public and the local community to develop a strategy for the future of Finchley Central as a town centre. The strategy identified that Finchley Central lacked a proper centre; it proposed that a section of Ballards Lane should be transformed into a public square to focus activity, create a sense of place and offer opportunities for public events.

The Council appointed a design team, led by Kinnear Landscape Architects (KLA), to bring forward designs for a new public square in Finchley Central.  In 2020, the Council and KLA undertook a range of engagement activities: pop-up events, surveys, workshops. The Council asked what the local priorities were for a new Finchley Square.

To read the summary report from the last consultation event in October 2020 please click here

Proposed view of Albert Place from Popes Drive

What the Council is trying to achieve

The Finchley Square design proposals will create a new centre for the community through the delivery of over 3500sqm of the refurbished, high-quality public realm. The proposals include flexible space for the community to hold commercial, cultural and community activities. Furthermore, the designs adhere to ‘Healthy Streets’ principles, which means increased planting and greening to improve the pedestrian environment, safety and sense of wellbeing.

To see the designs and read about the proposals in more detail please click here

For any further information, or to request the Finchley Square Public Consultation information in an alternative format, please email finchleycentraltowncentre@gmail.com.

For those unable to access the online version, there will also be printed copies for loan located within the Finchley Church End Library, during the consultation period. Please call the library team on 020 8359 3800 to find out about opening times.

How to give your views

The Council wants your feedback – tell them what you think about the designs, any ideas you might have, how you would like the space used and share your support for event ideas. 

Please fill out the questionnaire and give us your feedback here.

Note: Last day to provide feedback will be the 18th of September 2021

Alternatively, you can see the designs in person.  As part of this consultation, the Council is temporarily closing Albert Place in Finchley Central, so they can test out the new public space, monitor traffic flow and host small-scale pilot events, curated by make:good.

Come and see the design for Finchley Square, give your feedback, ask questions, or share your ideas and support.  The project team will be in Albert Place showcasing the designs on these dates: