A new partnership between Barnet Council and developers will see a major step forward in the renewal of North Finchley High Road.

The council joined forces with industry leaders U+I and Joseph Partners on Monday (July 22) to create a “thriving and “successful” high street and town centre for North Finchley.

The partnership will move into an active period of community engagement – talking and listening to local people and businesses to understand what they want from their High Street and how the partnership might make that change happen.

Speaking about the formation of the partnership, Councillor Daniel Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “We are absolutely committed to supporting our high streets in these challenging times, to ensure they are the heart and soul of community life in Barnet.

“This is a hugely exciting opportunity and I do hope local people will become engaged in this process once the first engagement events are announced.”

The council will also establish a North Finchley Partnership Board to empower and represent the community as the plans develop.

Matthew Weiner, chief executive officer, U+I, said: “Too often local communities are involved in development decisions once everything is largely agreed between the developer and the Council.

“This will not be the case at North Finchley. We want to ensure that we embed the wants and aspirations of local people right from the very beginning and for that engagement to be genuine and authentic.”

Jonathan Joseph, founder of Joseph Partners, added: “I am thrilled that we have such a strong partner in U+I and that we can now move into the research and consultation phase.

“I passionately believe that, working together with Council and local people, we can help shape a bright future for North Finchley High Road so that it meets the challenges faced by town centres up and down the country.”