In 2021 Enfield Council established the Meridian Water Community Chest which promised to transform the lives of residents in Edmonton. Four years on, it Is unclear what has happened to £650,000 of the fund that was supposed to be distributed to benefit the community. Despite the Council’s commitment to regular grant rounds and reporting, theContinue reading “Where Has £650,000 of Meridian Water Community Chest Money Gone?”
Tag Archives: Meridian Water
Meridian Water: A cautionary tale of unrealistic expectations
In 2009/10, Enfield Council claimed over 2,500 new homes would be built at Meridian Water by 2023/24. However, only 20 have been completed – that’s less than 1% of the projected number. [1,2] The council’s projections for housing delivery at Meridian Water were based on ‘extensive work’ and ‘conservative’ start dates, and were accepted byContinue reading “Meridian Water: A cautionary tale of unrealistic expectations”
Meridian Water is not working
Enfield Council’s Meridian Water Regeneration scheme, including the purchase of Stonehill Estate, has failed to deliver on its pledge for job creation and housing provision. While the council justified the purchase with plans for a large e-commerce centre and 2,000 homes, neither the centre has been built nor the land cleared for housing. Many jobs have been lost due to site clearance for proposed projects, with no substantial replacement. The scheme now faces scrutiny, raising questions about the council’s ability to deliver on its commitments alongside growing concern about local unemployment rates.
Another community park in Edmonton is at risk as Enfield Council propose to redevelop Kenninghall Open Space.
Kenninghall Open Space in Edmonton is one of the few accessible green spaces in the area and is an important asset for the local community. For example, this Sunday (10/09/2023) the park will host the Kenninghall Festival to celebrate food harvested by local growers [Figure 1]. Figure 1 – Source: Enfield Council (2023); Flyer advertisingContinue reading “Another community park in Edmonton is at risk as Enfield Council propose to redevelop Kenninghall Open Space.”
Shared Ownership homes at Meridian Water have gone on sale, but can local people afford them?
The first ‘affordable’ Shared Ownership flats at Enfield Council’s Meridian Water development are now being advertised, but costs for these homes are well above what most local people can afford. [1] New two-bedroom homes on the development are currently priced between £427,000 and £590,000. [2] This means that acquiring the minimum 50% Shared Ownership stakeContinue reading “Shared Ownership homes at Meridian Water have gone on sale, but can local people afford them?”
Apparently, the Meridian Water Masterplan is complete, so why isn’t it published and why weren’t the public consulted?
In a recent report, Enfield Council announced that they’re intending to cut the number of employees working on the regeneration of Meridian Water from 45 to 20. One of the reasons given for letting go more than half the staff, is that the Masterplan is now complete. [1] This means the Council has completed theContinue reading “Apparently, the Meridian Water Masterplan is complete, so why isn’t it published and why weren’t the public consulted?”
Uncertainty about the future of the Shires estate
Bad tempered Council meeting ends in uncertainty and frustration for residents. Cheshire House and Shropshire House are 18-storey tower blocks on the Shires estate in Edmonton. The blocks were built in the 1960s and house 204 families. People living in the blocks have experienced ongoing problems such as persistent mould, due to decades of underContinue reading “Uncertainty about the future of the Shires estate”
No new Social Rent Housing in Enfield for past 2 years.
The latest affordable housing data shows that no new Social Rent homes have been built in Enfield for at least two years. Figures also show that the number of newly built ‘London Affordable Rent’ homes fell from 136 to 129. This bucks the London wide trend which recorded a 25% increase in Social Rent completionsContinue reading “No new Social Rent Housing in Enfield for past 2 years.”
Council proposes demolition of successful venue
“The Drumsheds” at Meridian Water will be known to many people as a popular music and clubbing venue, however the Council now wants to demolish The Drumsheds as part of its plans to regenerate the area. The Drumsheds has hosted a wide range of events in recent years, such as Field Day, which was attendedContinue reading “Council proposes demolition of successful venue”
Spiralling costs and delays at Meridian Water
Enfield Council’s regeneration of Meridian Water appears to be in the midst of a vicious circle of spiralling costs and delays. The cost of building essential infrastructure (e.g. roads and bridges) at Meridian Water has escalated due to delays in the design process, extended contract negotiations, and inflation. As a result Enfield Council now needsContinue reading “Spiralling costs and delays at Meridian Water”
Better Homes Enfield 