International law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised the London Borough of Enfield on a compulsory purchase order relating to strategic infrastructure works necessary to enable the £6 billion Meridian Water regeneration.
On 22 July 2021 the compulsory purchase order was confirmed by the Secretary of State enabling the Council to acquire the land necessary to construct essential infrastructure, including a new road network, flood mitigation, remediation and new green spaces.
The Meridian Water regeneration is one of the most ambitious regeneration schemes being undertaken in London and the UK as a whole. The regeneration is seeking comprehensively redevelop approximately 85 hectares of underused brownfield land, with large areas of derelict land accommodation, into a modern, well-connected, high quality and sustainable new part of the city.
The regeneration is set to deliver over 10,000 new homes, a new railway station, retail, commercial leisure and cultural facilities. Meridian Water seeks to put placemaking at its heart, with the aim to be an attractive and distinctive destination to visit, work and live in. Work has already started on the on the regeneration, with a new railway station opening in 2019 and work is due to start on the first development phase (over 700 new homes) in the Summer 2021.
Jacqueline Backhaus, partner and Tim Brown, senior associate in the Trowers & Hamlins planning and compulsory team have advised Enfield on the CPO and planning process of Meridian Water since 2015, including promoting the infrastructure works CPO at a public inquiry in Spring 2021.
Partner and National Head of Planning and Compulsory Purchase Jacqueline Backhaus commented:
"We are delighted to have played a part in advising one of the country's most ambitious regenerations, enabling Enfield to secure the land necessary for such an exciting and beneficial project. Not only will this infrastructure enable a significant boost of high quality housing stock, it will provide much needed investment and opportunities to the Edmonton area and rejuvenate a large area of underused land."
