Investing in Enfield and supporting residents
Enfield Council continues to be committed to investing in our borough, so all residents can do well and enjoy where they live.
We recognise this is a difficult time for many residents, with soaring interest rates continuing to make mortgage and rental payments extremely difficult, twinned with the stubbornly high cost of living because of rising energy costs and the downturn in the economy.
This is why Enfield Council continues to be committed to investing in the borough, supporting local business and people and making Enfield a decent, safer and healthier place to live in.
We have reaffirmed this commitment by agreeing an updated Council Plan for 2023-26 which was adopted at the Full Council meeting on 14 June. The plan can be read in full at Investing in Enfield.
Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said, “We know the cost of living is still putting immense pressure on households. The impact of the shrinking economy and rising prices means families from all kinds of backgrounds are struggling with rents and mortgages and some are even unable to afford the basics such as food."
“As a council, we will continue to deliver the services you need the most. We are building homes local people desperately need. We continue to take firm action against fly tippers and offer free bulky waste collections for all households. Our summer programme for young people goes from strength to strength and we are helping to improve town centres, resulting in more jobs and flourishing neighbourhoods we can all be proud of.”
Investing in a vibrant Angel Edmonton
The Enfield Council Plan is comprised of five main priorities:
- Clean and green spaces
- Strong, healthy and safe communities
- Thriving children and young people
- More and better homes
- An economy that works for everyone
Angel Yard in Upper Edmonton is an excellent example of Enfield Council’s commitment to supporting a local economy that works for everyone.
Spearheaded by Enfield Council, Angel Yard is a collection of affordable workspaces for the local community and young entrepreneurs to build and grow their businesses. There are 35 workspaces available for business tenants from Enfield and the surrounding area.
Last month, Cllr Caliskan met with some of the young business people who are using the workspaces, including a hair braiding and beauty business, an architecture firm, a boba tea business and a sustainable microgreens indoor farmer.
An award winning town
Supported by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, where £1.1 million was awarded to Enfield Council, the former site of derelict garages is now a vibrant and inviting award-winning space, complementing the newly refurbished Fore Street Living Room Library nearby and other improvements that have benefitted from the fund.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil said, “Angel Edmonton is a wonderfully vibrant town centre but residents told us they wanted additional investment in the area."
“Enfield Council has responded to residents and local businesses by investing in important projects to support the local economy."
“In addition, the area will benefit from our long-term plans to regenerate the Joyce and Snell’s housing estates, building 2,000 new homes with access to green spaces and play facilities.”
If you are aged between 18 and 30 and want support to grow your business within an affordable workspace, contact enterprise charity Launch It. For more information, visit Launch It-Angel Yard, or email cliff@launchit.org.uk.
Meridian Water starts to take shape
Enfield Council is pressing ahead with its ambitious regeneration programme with the Meridian Water project at its centre.
This investment by the council will deliver more and better homes for local people and transform the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The first residents at Meridian Water will be moving in to their new homes later this summer. Meanwhile, the Community Garden and Enfield Construction Skills Academy have opened their doors to the public, adding to the success of Building Bloqs and Troubadour Film Studios.
The project has already delivered the first train station in London for a decade, created more than 700 jobs, and provided over £300,000 for local community projects. Meridian One is now at the mid-construction stage, comprising 977 homes, around 16,000sq ft of commercial space including retail, health and leisure spaces.
Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said, “The Meridian Water project will not only deliver much-needed homes in our borough but it is also providing the opportunity through the Enfield Construction Skills Academy for local people to develop their abilities so they can get decent jobs. We are committed to building 10,000 homes at Meridian Water, 40 per cent of which will be affordable. I am very pleased the first phase of Meridian Water is well underway and is set to deliver 300 homes.”
Meridian Water delivers homes and skills
Skills Academy opens its doors to students.
- The Enfield Construction Skills Academy was built by Countryside Partnerships and will be run by The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London
- Aiming to train 500 people a year, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy will focus on providing courses with opportunities for qualified students to gain jobs in the building of Meridian Water
- There are a range of facilities including dedicated indoor and outdoor workspaces for hands-on skills training using various construction methods and equipment
- Experienced teachers will share their knowledge on areas such as bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry and electrical
- To find out more visit Capital City College Group and search for Enfield Construction
Enfield celebrates - the Coronation of King Charles III
Families, neighbourhoods, volunteers and community groups came out to celebrate the historic Coronation of Kings Charles III with events across the borough.
Hundreds of residents took part by volunteering in The Big Help Out, with tree plantings and park clear ups around Enfield.
Local cultural groups provided entertainment across the borough including Platinum Academy of Performing Arts, who held a free family fun day at Millfield Theatre. In Enfield Town, charitable organisations including Age UK, Cooking Champions, Enfield Christmas Parade of Lights, MHA Communities North London and The Old Enfield Charitable Trust hosted a big lunch with entertainment.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, said: “It was wonderful to see communities and neighbourhoods celebrate in a wide range of ways from street parties to picnics. It was particularly wonderful to see so many charities and community groups supported by people, helping to create a long-lasting legacy within Enfield.”
The Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Suna Hurman, had the pleasure of picking the winners of the Best Dressed House and Best Dressed Business competitions. Congratulations to David and Karen Fortune and Emma Claire Hair and Beauty Spa. The Mayor was also impressed with Bridgewood Residential Care Home’s entry and visited the residents to present them with a certificate of commendation.
A legacy of mighty oaks
Fifteen new King Oak trees were planted across Enfield to commemorate the Coronation in parks across the borough.
Later this year during the winter planting season, Enfield Council has offered to plant a tree for every new baby born on Coronation day, 6 May 2023.
These new coronation trees will contribute to Enfield’s ongoing clean and green ambitions and will positively impact the environmental health of the borough.
Find out how you can get involved in your local park by volunteering with one of Enfield’s Friends of Parks groups. For more details, visit GoParks-Enfield.
The locations and wards of newly planted oak trees
- Albany Park, Brimsdown
- Arnos Park, Arnos Grove
- Aylands Open Space, Bullsmoor
- Broomfield Park, Palmers Green
- Bury Lodge Gardens, Bush Hill Park
- Durants Park, Brimsdown
- Enfield Town Park, Grange Park
- Firs Farm Wetlands, Bush Hill Park
- Grovelands Park, Winchmore Hill
- Hillyfields Park, Whitewebbs
- Jubilee Park, Jubilee
- Oakwood Park, Oakwood
- Pymmes Park, Edmonton Green
- Tatum Park, Highfield
- Trent Park, Cockfosters
Bridgewood House - highly commended
Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu planting a tree in Enfield Town Park
Performers in Enfield Market Place
Forty Hall volunteers
Performers at the Millfield Theatre
A drop of water makes a big difference
Over the winter months, Enfield Council planted thousands of trees as part of the council’s pledge to bring greenery to streets, parks and open spaces.
More than 30,000 additional trees were planted at the Enfield Chase Restoration Project in the north of the borough and Enfield Council won funding to plant 16,000 trees from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, with a focus on parks in the east.
However, while Enfield Council officers will continue to look after trees across the borough, younger trees would benefit from some extra help this summer.
With the recent hot, dry weather, we are asking residents to water young trees planted near their homes.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil said, “Trees play a vital role in enhancing the local environment, and contribute to our borough becoming greener and healthier."
“We are committed to ensuring every neighbourhood has trees to provide shelter, improve air quality, reduce surface water and to complement wildlife."
“We would be grateful if everyone could do their bit to water young trees near their homes, particular if above-average temperatures continue.”
What can you do?
- Water young trees near your home, particularly during the summer months
- Fill the water hydration bag wrapped around the tree. The hydration bag slowly releases water over a number of hours.
- If your local tree does not have a hydration bag, water slowly at the base
For more information on how to care for local trees, see Please water your trees! (PDF, 2271.08 KB).
Get inspired on our Summer Youth programme
Exciting free courses from music production to martial arts, gaming workshops to guitar lessons are available for young people in Enfield to enrich their futures and help their career choices.
Registration is now open for hundreds of young people to take part in more than 80 courses and activities at this year’s Summer University programme, delivered by Enfield Council’s Youth Development Service.
One of the key features of this year’s University is to introduce participants to a range of industries - the Inspire to Aspire range. These include Inspiring Young Doctors, Inspiring Young Fashion Designer, Inspiring Young Property Entrepreneur and Inspiring Young Hair Stylist.
The Summer University programme will also provide three holiday camps for young people in receipt of free school meals. The 80-plus free courses will be hosted by carefully selected partners and are designed to raise young people’s aspirations, help them to learn new skills and provide support so they can navigate their way through the next stage in their lives.
Registration for the summer uni is now open for young people aged 11 to 19 years, or up to 25 years for those with special educational needs. Visit Youth Enfield for all the information you need.
News in brief
More bike hangars
Enfield Council has installed the borough’s 100th bike hangar as part of the Journeys and Places programme. This is equal to 600 secure cycle parking spaces. If you would like access to a local bike storage, visit Let's Talk Enfield - Cycle Parking Requests.
Awards celebrate exceptional volunteers
An award ceremony took place at Enfield Civic Centre to mark the lifetime work and special achievements of 39 Enfield volunteers. The annual Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition Volunteer Awards celebrated the achievements of these volunteers.
A10 skate park reinvented
A well-known urban artist has collaborated with local school pupils to give the Edmonton skate park an injection of colour. Shay Press, whose own brand of street art can be seen across the borough was commissioned by Enfield Council to transform the grey ramps and platforms and make the skate park beside the A10 more inviting for young people to use.
Warnings to fly tippers
Stencils containing messages to deter would-be rubbish dumpers have been applied on streets in Enfield to try and deter people from fly tipping. The council will issue fixed penalty notices for littering and rubbish dumping and will pursue those who fail to pay. In April 2023 alone, 74 people were prosecuted for not paying their penalties. Enfield Council offers a free bulky waste collection service, so there is no excuse for fly tipping. See Bulky waste and electrical collections to book a free collection.
Retrofit for purpose
Ten homes in Haselbury ward have undergone a deep retrofit, converting them into warm, affordable and environmentally efficient homes. The homes have benefited from Enfield Council’s Retrofit Accelerator Programme, delivered with project partner Osborne Property Services and funded by the Mayor of London and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Retrofitting refurbishes homes to make them more efficient, sustainable and better for the environment.
What's on
Dugdale Arts Centre
Freedom Pass Presented by InterACTion
Date: 27 July
Life is a tapestry, and our experiences are the threads that link us all together. Freedom Pass reflects on the real-life experiences of InterACTion, part of Face Front Inclusive Theatre, and explores this patchwork we call life.
Adults £10, concessions and children £5
Festival of Industry
Various dates
Starting from Dugdale Arts Centre and spreading borough-wide, the Festival of Industry will celebrate Enfield’s industrial past, present and future, with public art, performances, workshops and exhibitions.
Black stories on film
Every Friday during October
Every Friday during Black History Month enjoy a film celebrating notable Black stories, identity and culture alongside a meal and drink from EnFood.
Tickets plus meal £10
Forty Hall
Bad Dad - Outdoor Theatre
Date: 9 August
Join Heartbreak Productions for this warm-hearted tale of a father and son on a thrilling mission to break an innocent man into prison.
Adults £14, concessions £10, children £8, family ticket £38
Sense and Sensibility - Outdoor Theatre
Date: 23 August
Don your finery and join Heartbreak Productions for their open-air adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen’s biting social satire about sisters in straitened circumstances is sure to satiate your summer romance requirement.
Adults £14, concessions £10, children £8, family ticket £38
Forty Hall Jazz Club with ziggysclub.com
Date: 15 September
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Forty Hall and immerse yourself in a night of fantastic jazz. Come and join us for an unforgettable experience!
Tickets £16
Book Forty Hall Jazz Club with ziggysclub.com
Summer programme for children
Thursdays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm
As well as a packed line-up of events, Forty Hall also has a wide range of activities for children to help them explore the grounds and learn about the estate’s history. Check out the Forty Small Trail Bags, Dress-up and Role Play, Children’s Exhibition, and visit the much-loved Forty Hall Farm.
Broomfield Summer Festival
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Date: 22 July
British Touring Shakespeare bring their innovative adaptation of Sherlock Holmes’ most chilling mystery, which will make for an unforgettable evening of open-air theatre. Can Sherlock Holmes get to the bottom of the hound legend, before it’s too late?
Adults £14, children under 16/students under 19 £10, family ticket £35
Book The Hound of the Baskervilles
Broomfield Blues
Date: 6, 13, 20 and 27 August
The Friends of Broomfield Park and the St Harmonica’s Blues Club bring you another ‘best of blues’ each Sunday in August. Come along and eat, drink and listen to the fantastic music.
Free entry
To find out more about Broomfield Blues, visit Friends of Broomfield Park.
Palmers Green Festival
Date: 3 September
Palmers Green Festival returns to Broomfield Park. Enjoy the funfair, food festival, vintage village, live music and more at this event, suitable for all the family.
Free entry
To find out more about what’s going on around the borough, follow @EnjoyEnfield on Instagram.
You can also download our Enfield News - Summer 2023 (PDF, 10358.54 KB).