28/05/2026
The proposed redevelopment of Great North Leisure Park in North Finchley was approved by Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe at City Hall on 27 May.
The plan, which was initially rejected by Barnet Council, involves demolishing the popular leisure multiplex, which includes Hollywood Bowl, Vue Cinema and various food outlets, and replacing it with 20 high-rise blocks of up to 25 storeys high, with no parking provision for residents.
Of the 1,502 flats, 23% would be “affordable”, but there is no social housing included and no family homes whatsoever.
The sports centre would be rebuilt on the adjoining Glebelands, exploiting a clause which states the Glebelands must only be used for leisure use, and thereby freeing up more space to build on Great North Leisure Park.
Protestors have raised have raised concerns about the high-density nature of the development putting a strain on the already inadequate local transport network and gridlocked roads, the damage to the green space and ecosystem, and the loss of heavily used leisure facilities, like the bowling alley and cinema. Many others have questioned the need for more flats when so many in the immediate vicinity still sit empty.
With over 100,000 long-term empty homes in London - Barnet being one of the worst offenders - questions should be asked about why the building of unsuitable homes is allowed to continue, to the detriment of the environment and local residents.
