This week Matthew took part in the topping out ceremony of the latest phase of construction at the West Hendon Waterside. This project is part of the regeneration that is taking place on the old West Hendon Estate site. The £500 million scheme will create 2,000 one, two and three-bedroom homes and will be a gateway into London.

Working with Barnet Council, the regeneration is being delivered by Barratt Metropolitan Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – a joint venture in which Barratt London is the construction partner and Metropolitan is the affordable housing provider. The scheme will also deliver a range of community projects including the new Community Hub, where various initiatives and services are available – such as employment and training workshops, health and wellbeing classes, and activities for young people

BMLLP has recently paid £50,000 into the Community Trust Fund and this is available to the community now. A further £200,000 will be made available on completion of Phase 3.

The fund is managed by a group of trustees – members of the local community and representatives of the development partners - who will consider each community application and decide which ones to support.

Matthew said: "Since my time as a Barnet Councillor, work has been undertaken to improve the estate in West Hendon. This next phase is a further step in an already successful scheme. Critics initially opposed the regeneration but the very same people now accept that change has been beneficial for everyone."