The final session of the Hillingdon Takes Off Investor Conference, Sites, Projects, and Opportunities in Hillingdon focused on an update on the local plan and areas identified for development.
Hillingdon is emerging as a hub of development and opportunity, with a focus on housing, infrastructure, and regeneration. The discussions by the panel of key stakeholders highlight the collaborative efforts to transform the area into a thriving community.
Andy Sharma, chair of the panel and ceo of the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the open nature of Hillingdon for business and the plethora of opportunities available for investment. He stated, “The heading is open for business and there are lots of opportunities for everybody to get involved.”
Declan Higgins, Chief Executive at Higgins Group, shared insights into the partnerships formed with local authorities. He mentioned, “We were selected in 2022 to be the Council’s development partner for two estates… It’s been fantastic.” Despite challenges like hyperinflation and changing regulations, the partnership has persevered, focusing on delivering social rented housing.
Lesha Chetty, business unit director at Mace Consulting, highlighted the importance of creating a lasting legacy through social impact. She said, “It’s really more thinking about it in terms of what’s the legacy that we actually want to create.” Her focus is on building local skills and advancing apprenticeships to support sustainable growth.
Tom Dewey, director at Altair Consultancy, discussed the Council’s commitment to affordable housing. He noted, “The Council’s really open for business in terms of its enabling role.” The aim is to engage with partners to bring forward sites and derisk projects, ensuring they are ready for development.
Julia Johnson, director of planning and sustainable growth, spoke about the strategic priorities for development. She explained, “We’re very excited to have started our local plan review… It’s the first time in a decade we’ve stepped back and have a good look at what our strategic priorities are for the borough.” The focus is on key development needs, including industrial land and transport links.
The discussions also touched on the role of planning performance agreements, which Julia Johnson described as “a really positive way” to bring projects forward efficiently. These agreements facilitate collaboration between the local planning authority and developers, ensuring projects are well-resourced and progress smoothly.
Hillingdon’s strategic location, with excellent transport links, is a significant advantage. Julia Johnson highlighted the potential of areas like Hayes, stating, “It’s a really key strategic location for us… We’ve got really good connection and the other way you’re in Heathrow in 10-15 minutes.”
The focus on sustainability and green skills is also a priority. Lesha Chetty emphasized the need for a green economy, saying, “What does that mean in terms of the green economy, the green skills that we might need to get to?” This approach aims to create transferable skills across industries, supporting long-term growth.
In conclusion, Hillingdon is poised for significant growth and development, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and community impact. The commitment from stakeholders to engage in long-term partnerships and address challenges head-on is paving the way for a vibrant future in Hillingdon.
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