Plans for the first phase of a new residential scheme designed by Glen Howell Architects in Wembley have been submitted by developer HUB and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management.

The Wembley Link development will comprise 256 homes for private rent, with one- to three-bedroom homes across two buildings, and an extensive pedestrianised ‘urban oasis’.

The proposed 17- and 19-storey brick buildings are designed with a subtle curve to soften the corners, creating a strong yet elegant contrast to the gridded facade of the adjacent Chesterfield House.

The new designs revitalise unused land, previously owned by Network Rail, along Wembley High Road, replacing the space with new homes and a large public garden, which will be accessed from a new square to the west of Chesterfield House. The proposed garden is a nod to the former forest of Wemba, referencing the historic origin of Wembley.

Dav Bansal, Director at Glenn Howells Architects, commented: “We are delighted to be a part of this significant regeneration of Wembley. This development is helping to regenerate the local high street and meaningfully connect Wembley town centre to the Wembley Park masterplan and will act as a catalyst development to establish a wider masterplan vision for the Wembley Link area. The complex site has demanded a creative and innovative design approach, which will provide high-quality homes and most importantly, much-needed green space for the wider Wembley community. The designs are part of a ‘Modern Art Deco’ revival in the centre of Wembley and reference the iconic local Art Deco landmarks, such as the Hoover building. The vacant ‘back land’ will be used to create a secret garden around quality high-rise living.”

HUB managing director Steve Sanham added: “Our plans for 256 thoughtfully-designed homes on the Wembley Link site lie within a strategically important area for development and growth in London, which we hope to make a positive contribution to through the new scheme. We are committed to continue working with the local community to ensure this and build on the existing relationship HUB has formed with this area and the community over many years through the process of designing and building Chesterfield House.”

Simon Ringer, Partner and Head of Property Funds at Bridges Fund Management, commented: “We’re very excited by the plans for this new scheme, which we think will have a hugely positive impact on Wembley and the surrounding area. There is clearly an urgent need for more lower-cost housing in London; that’s why we’re investing in a number of projects that will deliver a total of about 1,500 new homes for Londoners over the next few years.”