Ontario Construction News staff writer
A massive new development has been approved for the former site of the London Psychiatric Hospital lands, which will see the creation of the largest residential neighbourhood in London, Ont. history.
Last Thursday, city council approved amendments to the London Plan and Zoning By-law to allow for the development of 8,400 residential units on the 57-hectare property at 850 Highbury Ave. N.
The new neighbourhood will be built in phases over the next two decades by Oak Old Properties Inc., which purchased the land from the province in 2019 after the hospital closed in 2014.
The development will include 10 towers of mixed-use buildings, with a mix of low, medium, and high-density towers.
Plans also include parkland, bike lanes, and multi-use pathways, as well as a ‘village core’ focal point that will complement four existing buildings on the property that have provincial heritage value. Those buildings include the Chapel of Hope, the Horse Stable, the Infirmary, and the Recreation Hall, as well as a heritage-designated tree-lined allee.
“I’m incredibly pleased with city council’s approval of this development which will transform this underutilized property into a unique neighbourhood and more homes for Londoners,” said Scott Mathers, deputy city manager of planning and economic development, in a release.
“This neighbourhood development including 8,400 new residential units is a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration and community-wide approach we are undertaking to meet the provincial housing pledge target of 47,000 new homes.”
The development is situated next to the Rapid Transit East London Link on Highbury Avenue North and Oxford Street East. The neighbourhood will feature an extensive cycling and pedestrian network, connecting active transportation and public transit.
The amendments are subject to a 20-day appeal period.
