We won’t let Brexit stop Ilford’s regeneration – Redbridge Council leader

The regeneration of Ilford town centre will not be halted by Brexit – that is the clear message from Redbridge Council’s leader.

Cllr Jas Athwal made the promise after news broke that a key developer was reassessing its proposals because of the Leave vote.

Lumina, which was planning to build 321 homes on the Harrison Gibson site, in High Road, said Brexit meant it was “reappraising the redevelopment proposal in the wider property market context”.

But Labour’s Cllr Athwal told the Recorder it was “business as usual”.

“Crossrail is coming, smart business people recognise that, and we have got to have the vision and the drive to see regeneration through,” he said.

Cllr Athwal explained he was determined not to let investors use the Leave vote as a bargaining chip to reduce the amount of affordable housing they are required to build.

“We don’t want to allow developers to take advantage of Brexit and hold us to ransom,” he said.

“We will ensure this is a borough which caters for all its residents.”

For all the reports and analysis on Ilford town centre’s regeneration see today’s Recorder.