Politicians laud 8,400-home mega-plan in east London: 'Major change'

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Politicians had nothing but praise on Wednesday for a proposed subdivision that would add the equivalent of a mid-sized town to London – the largest residential development in the city’s history.

City council’s planning committee unanimously endorsed a bolstered subdivision plan from London-based Old Oak Properties for the 144-acre grounds of the former London Psychiatric Hospital, located along Highbury Avenue, that would create 8,400 residential units and fit a population of roughly 15,000 people.

“This is such a major change in the city, and we’re not likely to see this in our lives again,” said Ward 3 Coun. Peter Cuddy, who doesn’t sit on council’s planning committee but represents the area.

In line with recently approved height and density changes to London’s master planning document, Old Oak sought a boost in height and density across the property, including from 22 storeys at the intersection of Oxford Street and Highbury Avenue to 32 storeys.

The density and height changes allowed for an additional 2,650 units on top of the original proposal that called for 5,750 units.

Also included in the plan is a village core district incorporating the heritage buildings on site, and low- to mid-rise blocks including apartments, townhomes and single-family homes. The new neighbourhood will also have park space, a potential school and seven new streets.

Michael Bierbaum, Old Oak’s vice-president of construction and development, told politicians the development is “expected to be a major shift” in London.

“This exciting project is not only about constructing buildings, it’s about building a community,” he said. “Old Oak looks forward to the next 20 years-plus of redevelopment and economic growth.”

Deputy mayor Shawn Lewis said the development “checks all the boxes” that the city is seeking, between the new heights and densities, adapting heritage buildings into a business district, as well as setting land aside for a school and parks.

He expressed excitement at the development landing in east London, touting connectivity to the 401 via Highbury and Veterans Memorial Parkway, bus rapid transit, and nearby schools including Fanshawe College.

“I just cannot say how much this is appreciated,” Lewis said. “There has not been a redevelopment like this in the history of our city.”

Coun. Steve Lehman, chair of council’s planning committee, jokingly called the development “infill with a capital I” and said it comes at an opportune time given the city’s housing crunch and its push to meet provincial targets.

He referenced the explosion of development in the city’s northwest, saying land there is becoming limited, and there is potential in east London. The redevelopment of the land along the BRT corridor connecting downtown and Fanshawe College was also a deciding factor in his support for the project.

Planning committee members voted 5-0 in support of the subdivision plan – Lehman, Lewis, Steve Hillier, Skylar Franke and Corrine Rahman. It still needs the approval of full city council at its Oct. 15 meeting, and the individual blocks of development will still need council approval.

Old Oak previously told The London Free Press it intends to start construction in 2025.

jmoulton@postmedia.com

LONDON PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

• Opened in 1870 as the London Insane Asylum
• Later known as Ontario Hospital London, London Psychiatric Hospital and Regional Mental Health Care London
• The facility closed in 2014, with about 150 patients sent to Parkwood Institute
• The site sold for $17 million to Old Oak Properties in January 2019
• The chapel, infirmary, assembly hall and horse stable are protected heritage buildings