On Thursday 6 March 2025, we were delighted to take a cross-party group of parliamentarians to Woodberry Down, a development in Finsbury Park by the Berkeley Group. The delegation consisted of Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer, Lee Dillon MP, Florence Eshalomi MP. We were also thrilled to be joined by members of Hackney Council and Notting Hill Genesis, who manage the affordable housing on the estate.

We began the visit with a discussion on the estate model and the collaborative efforts of Berkeley Group, Hackney Council, Notting Hill Genesis, and the Woodberry Down Community Organisation (WDCO) to transform the area. Together, they are replacing 1,890 post-war properties with more than 5,500 high-quality mixed-tenure homes in one of the most undersupplied regions of the country, with 40% designated as affordable housing.

Spanning 64 acres, the estate is evolving into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood featuring an award-winning community centre, shops, cafés, a post office, a pub, and over 15 acres of high-quality green open space. This physical transformation is complemented by extensive community engagement initiatives, including apprenticeship and training programs, investment in local charities and clubs, and the introduction of major cultural events such as the Hidden River Festival.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to tour several flats, including some of the affordable housing units. These homes boasted exceptional views overlooking the wetlands and Alexandra Palace, highlighting the estate’s prime location and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The team also spoke about brownfield regeneration, explaining how Berkeley Group collaborates with partners to transform underutilised land into sustainable housing communities.

Our visit concluded at the visitor centre in the Wetland area. The Director of Visitor Experience at the London Wildlife Trust shared insights into their ongoing efforts to preserve local wildlife while integrating the visitor centre into the landscape.

We extend our thanks to Berkeley Group, Hackney Council, Notting Hill Genesis, and the London Wildlife Trust for hosting us and facilitating this visit. We also appreciate the parliamentarians who joined us and look forward to welcoming them on future visits.