Uncovering the Charms of Colindale: A First Time Buyer’s Guide

HOTspot Colindale

The compact neighbourhood of Colindale in northwest London is a hidden gem. Once home to industry, it’s now home to savvy Londoners seeking to get more for their money. Situated eight miles from Charing Cross, in the London Borough of Barnet, the suburb of Colindale has benefited enormously from an impressive regeneration scheme; one of the largest in north London. New housing, high-quality open spaces, and improved transport services have transformed the area into a desirable neighbourhood for young professionals and families alike.

Colindale, originally Collin Deep, took its name from the Collin family in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that cheap land prices made it an attractive prospect to developers. Colindale Hospital opened in 1898, the British Museum followed with a new depository for the newspaper collection in 1902, and in 1907 the Government Lymph Establishment was built to make vaccines. Colindale was growing fast.

Famous for Hendon Aerodrome and Hendon Police College, the area also became an important industrial district. During the First World War, Colindale was home to Airco, the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world. As demand for aircraft declined post-war, other manufacturing companies moved in, taking advantage of the expansive, but inexpensive, land. The tube opening in 1923 made Colindale far more accessible and it quickly developed as a London suburb, with estates of semi-detached and terraced homes popping up to accommodate its growing population.

One hundred years on, Londoners are still enticed up the Northern line to buy, and Colindale continues to meet the demand for affordable housing admirably, with over 10,000 new homes being delivered by its regeneration and growth program. The underground is an obvious draw for commuters and the recent redevelopment of Colindale tube station means it now conveniently offers step-free access. In addition to the tube, the area is well-served by buses, and has arguably the best road connections in the capital, with the M1, A5, North Circular, and A41 right on the doorstep. The excellent quality housing stock, coupled with an abundance of good schools in the area – including faith and grammar schools – mean this historically deprived area has fast become an appealing choice for Londoners to lay down roots.

OUT AND ABOUT

While you’re just a short journey from any of the capital’s attractions, there is plenty to do for the whole family in Colindale, right outside your door. The Royal Air Force Museum, a national museum celebrating the story of the Royal Air Force, is a must-see and will give you a real taste of the area’s rich history.

For a fun family day out, head to Arch North, a light and modern bouldering centre boasting 11,000 ft of bouldering surfaces to explore. The children will also love Inflata Nation Colindale. This huge inflatable arena includes slides, duels, and a lake-style obstacle course! Just up the road in Mill Hill, you’ll find Powerleague pitch hire, Metro Golf Centre, and Captain’s Bay Adventure Golf. And if you’re keen to join a gym, check out the Laboratory Spa and Health Club or Virgin Active. If you are more of a spectator when it comes to sport, why not head to see the Saracens play at Allianz Park?

Scratchwood and Moat Mount are just a 20-minute drive away, if you’re looking for some green space, and form the largest area of woodland in Barnet. They are particularly picturesque in the spring when the wildflowers are out in abundance. Keep your eyes peeled for muntjac deer and woodland birds too.

Shoppers will find everything they need locally at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, which has all the high street favourites including M&S, Lakeland, and Anthropologie, in addition to Fenwick and John Lewis department stores. You will also find a decent range of food here from high street favourites including Wagamama, Pizza Express, and Nando’s.

Colindale has a solid range of restaurants but the Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall, the newest and largest Asian food court in London, stands out. Seating 450, it boasts the widest range of specialist Asian restaurants in the whole of the UK, so you will never get bored of dining here! Colindale also has a great pub scene – head to the Chandos Arms for its weekly quiz night or the Beaufort for a delicious Sunday lunch. If you want to head further afield for a night out, the Northern Line handily runs until past midnight making getting home a breeze.

Finally, practicalities – for the weekly shop you’re spoilt for choice with Aldi, ASDA, and an M&S Food Hall all local. Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local are also conveniently located close to the station for commuters who just need to grab a quick sandwich or dinner on the go.

HOMES ON THE MARKET… COLINDALE Heybourne Park

Coming to the market in late summer 2023, Notting Hill Genesis is providing an affordable new route to homeownership in Colindale with the launch of Heybourne Park. Set to be delivered in partnership with Barnet Council over 15 years, the development will be an integral piece of the area’s redevelopment. The first phase – a collection of 149 one and two-bedroom apartments – will be available through shared ownership, with modern, spacious, and high-quality homes, ideally suited for buyers looking to purchase at a more accessible price point.

Located on the historic grounds of the previous Grahame Park, all of Heybourne Park’s homes will come complete with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces and high-quality fixtures and fittings – including integrated appliances, sleek handleless kitchen units, stylish wood-effect flooring throughout the living spaces, and built-in wardrobes in bedrooms. Residents will have the benefit of parkside living, with the homes looking onto the green open space of Heybourne Park. Watling Park and Hendon Park are also nearby, offering plenty of playgrounds, sports pitches, and courts suitable for all to enjoy.

For commuters and residents venturing out at the weekend, the development is well connected to the rest of the capital. Just 15 minutes away is Colindale London Underground station, where residents can take the Northern Line into central London in less than half an hour, reaching Euston Station in 21 minutes. Residents can also very easily use the local bus network to reach popular spots across north London, including Camden and Hampstead, while for retail lovers, the development is just a few tube stops from Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

With a rich local history and already established community, buyers at Heybourne Park have an exciting chance to be part of the future of this up-and-coming part of north London. Much is planned for the development in the coming years, with more homes due to be built alongside new commercial spaces, leisure facilities, and on-site amenities including an outdoor gym, library, supermarket, and café, all centred around a new community plaza.

For further information visit nhgsales.com/heybournepark or speak to the sales team on 020 457 96251.