LONDON — A substantial redevelopment project is being worked on for the former London Psychiatric Hospital (LPH) lands located at 850 Highbury Avenue North.
The proposed development, led by Zelinka Priamo Ltd. on behalf of Old Oak Properties, aims to transform the 58.13-hectare (143.64-acre) site into a diverse residential and mixed-use community.
The draft plan of subdivision and zoning amendments seeks to introduce a range of land uses to the site.
The land uses include one low-density residential block, eight medium-density residential blocks, two medium-density residential/mixed-use blocks, and eight high-density residential/mixed-use blocks.
Additionally, there will be six blocks dedicated to preserving and repurposing historical buildings and landscape features.
One block will be designated for institutional use, while there will be one parkland block and four open space/servicing blocks.
There will be one block specifically for stormwater management. Infrastructure improvements will include the extension of Rushland Avenue, Howland Avenue, and Spanner Street, along with the creation of seven new streets (Streets A through G).
The development includes a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to high-density apartments, with densities reaching up to 300 units per hectare in certain high-density blocks.
The variety of residential units ensures a diverse range of bedroom counts, suitable for different family sizes and needs.
Detailed plans for parking spaces and ratios will ensure sufficient parking for residents and visitors, with specific numbers and ratios tailored to the different zoning requirements and building types.
Ample amenity space is planned, both within individual residential blocks and through dedicated parkland and open spaces.
The site is well-served by existing public transit routes along Highbury Avenue North and Oxford Street East and will be further enhanced by the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The development necessitates several zoning by-law amendments and official plan amendments.
These include transitioning from the current Regional Facility (RF) zoning to a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and open space zones.
The proposed zones include Residential (R5-7, R6-3, R7, R8-4, R9-7), Business District Commercial (BDC), Neighbourhood Shopping Area (NSA3), Community Facility (CF2/CF3), Neighbourhood Facility (NF1), Open Space (OS1), and Heritage (HER).
Specific height and density regulations will be applied to different blocks to align with the London Psychiatric Hospital Secondary Plan (LPHSP).
The development is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing urban fabric, leveraging the well-established infrastructure and public services in the area.
A new facility will be constructed to manage stormwater effectively, serving both the development and the surrounding area.
Improved vehicular access and connectivity will be achieved through the extension of existing streets and the creation of new ones.
There will be an emphasis on pedestrian and cycling facilities, providing safe and accessible routes for active transportation.
A significant component of the proposal is the preservation and adaptive reuse of the former LPH buildings, which hold provincial and local heritage value.
These heritage blocks will be repurposed to provide affordable housing and community facilities, ensuring the historical character of the site is maintained.
The proposed redevelopment of 850 Highbury Avenue North represents a major investment in the future of London, offering a blend of residential, commercial, and community uses while preserving the site’s historical significance.
The requested zoning and official plan amendments are designed to support this vision, facilitating a vibrant and sustainable urban community.
As the city continues to grow, this development promises to be a cornerstone of innovation and heritage preservation in London’s urban landscape.
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