North London Business Park in Barnet stands as a prime example of adaptive redevelopment in one of London’s most dynamic suburban hubs. Nestled in the London Borough of Barnet, this 16.1-hectare site blends industrial heritage with modern business needs, attracting SMEs and innovators in North London.
Historical Roots
The site originated in the early 20th century with ties to the Great Northern Cemetery Company, featuring a rail head station linked to King’s Cross for mourners accessing Brunswick Park Road. Standard Telephone and Cable transformed it into New Southgate Works in the 1920s, producing telecom equipment and even aircraft parts during wartime, though a V1 bomb strike in 1944 caused significant damage marked by on-site memorials. Northern Telecom (Nortel) occupied it until 2002, ending over 80 years of telecom dominance before rebranding as North London Business Park (NLBP).
Strategic Location
Barnet, formed in 1965 from former Middlesex and Hertfordshire areas, positions NLBP west of Southgate and south of East Barnet on brownfield land amid residential zones. Spanning about 17 hectares of landscaped grounds with an ornamental lake, it offers excellent connectivity via nearby rail and road links, ideal for North London commuters. This Outer London borough’s growth, fueled by 19th-century trams and railways, reversed mid-20th-century declines through brownfield regeneration like NLBP.
Modern Redevelopment Plans
Barnet’s 2012 Local Plan and 2015 London Plan guide NLBP’s evolution, emphasizing SME-friendly employment space, affordable flexible units, and community amenities like education facilities, a nursery, and sports pitches. The draft planning brief prioritizes retaining historical memorials while introducing mixed-use developments to boost local economy, aligning with Barnet’s Entrepreneurial Strategy. Ongoing proposals focus on high-quality brownfield reuse, enhancing amenity spaces for surrounding areas.
Business Opportunities
NLBP hosts successes like the Business Innovation Centre in Building 3, offering flexible leasing for SMEs in various formats, fostering North London’s entrepreneurial scene. Its landscaped setting supports diverse sectors, from tech to logistics, drawing firms seeking cost-effective space outside central London. Proximity to residential hubs in Barnet ensures a ready workforce, with redevelopment promising more affordable workspaces.
Why It Matters for North London
For Barnet residents and businesses, NLBP exemplifies sustainable growth, preserving history while creating jobs and community benefits. As Outer London’s second-largest borough evolves, sites like this drive economic health without urban sprawl. Future phases could solidify its role as a SME powerhouse, benefiting local high streets and innovation.
