This week, City Council approved amendments to The London Plan and Zoning By-law which will allow for the development of 8,400 residential units in a new neighbourhood on the former London Psychiatric Hospital lands. Once complete it will be the largest development in London’s history.
Located at 850 Highbury Avenue North, the 57-hectare property was once home to the Regional Mental Health Care London facility until its closure in 2014. The property was purchased by Oak Old Properties Inc. in 2019.
The new residential development planned by Oak Old Properties Inc. will be built in phases over the next two decades. It will include the development of 8,400 residential units within 10 towers, including a mix of low, medium and high density towers, as well as mixed-use buildings to include commercial space. The development will also include park land, bike lanes and multi-use pathways, as well as a ‘village core’ focal point to complement four existing buildings on the property that have provincial heritage value, the Chapel of Hope, the Horse Stable, the Infirmary, and the Recreation Hall as well as a heritage designated Treed Allée.
Adjacent to the development is the Rapid Transit East London Link along Highbury Avenue North and Oxford Street East. The neighbourhood development will incorporate an extensive cycling and pedestrian network to connect with active transportation and public transit.
“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,” says Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager, Planning & Economic Development. “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.”
These amendments are subject to a standard 20 day appeal period following Council’s approval.