Great North
Leisure Park
Overview
Great North Leisure Park sits beside Glebelands Local Nature Reserve, which supports the largest known population of Great Crested Newts in Greater London. Arada London, formerly Regal London, proposes to redevelop the leisure park with 1,485 homes in buildings up to 25 storeys high and a replacement leisure centre. The existing cinema, bowling alley and restaurants would be lost.
Our North Finchley opposes the scheme in its current form. Our main concern is the impact on Glebelands: protecting the newts means protecting the ponds, surrounding habitat and wider ecosystem on which they depend. We are campaigning for a smaller, carefully designed redevelopment that protects wildlife, retains valued leisure facilities and provides homes that meet local needs.
“The development will create a more connected and pedestrian-friendly environment, improve access to nature and establish a new destination for sport, leisure and healthy living in Barnet.”
Arada London claim
What is actually being proposed?
Loss of Hollywood Bowl
The existing bowling alley would be demolished, with no replacement included in the scheme.
Loss of Vue cinema
The cinema would be demolished without replacement, removing a valued local entertainment venue.
Loss of family restaurants
The existing restaurants would be demolished, reducing local options for family meals and social outings.
Inadequate leisure centre
The proposed centre would have no children’s wave pool and, in our view, would inadequately replace existing family leisure provision.
Pressure on Glebelands LNR
Habitat loss, construction disturbance and increased visitor pressure threaten the reserve’s Great Crested Newts and wider wildlife.
~4,500 new residents
1,485 flats in buildings up to 25 storeys.
Glebelands and its wildlife
Glebelands Local Nature Reserve is an important area of wet woodland supporting the largest known population of Great Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus) in Greater London, alongside bats, slow worms, breeding birds and rare plants.
Great Crested Newts depend on a connected network of breeding ponds and terrestrial habitat where they feed, breed, shelter and hibernate. Rough grassland and hedgerows within the proposed development site also provide suitable habitat, which would be lost through redevelopment.
Increased footfall, trampling, dogs and cats could damage habitats and disturb wildlife, while construction brings risks of pollution and disturbance. Artificial lighting could also affect bats and other nocturnal species.
Why the proposed mitigation is insufficient
- Insufficient survey evidence to assess species, visitor pressure and shading.
- Failure to recognise suitable newt habitat within the development site.
- Inadequate protection against pollution during construction.
- Weak long-term commitments, with responsibility placed on the council and volunteers.
Conservation organisations including the London Essex and Hertfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Trust, London Amphibian and Reptile Group, and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation have formally objected to the scheme.
Safeguards must be based on sound ecological evidence, secured through enforceable commitments and supported by long-term funding and monitoring.
Other concerns
Housing and design
We question whether the scheme provides enough genuinely affordable and family housing, with adequate daylight, accessible outdoor space and children’s play areas.
Transport and access
The site has a PTAL of 2 (poor accessibility), with 260 residential parking spaces for 1,485 homes. In July 2026 the Mayor confirmed TfL had not committed to specific route or frequency improvements.
Pressure on local services
The applicant’s health assessment estimated demand equivalent to 1.82 additional full-time GPs. Read our assessment.
The before and after reality
Explore our GNLP model
We’ve created an interactive model of the proposed GNLP development on Google Earth. Explore it and see how these monstrous blocks would tower over your neighbourhood! Open the link on a computer, or download the Google Earth app to view it on your phone.
We’ve modelled the development from the planning application drawings as accurately as possible, but some discrepancies may occur.
Take action, join the fight!
Oppose The Balfour House Development
Sign the CHANGE.ORG petition objecting to the proposed 16 storey tower block at Tally Ho Corner.
Oppose The GNLP Development
Sign the ONF petition about Great North Leisure Park.
Oppose Destruction of Glebelands LNR
Sign the newt petition and protect all wildlife at Glebelands Local Nature Reserve from extinction.
GNLP proposal images are © Arada London all rights reserved. Newt and slow worm photographs are © Will Atkins, LEHART all rights reserved.