Enfield Council’s flagship Meridian Water regeneration scheme has taken another step forward thanks to a major Government funding boost.

The council has been awarded £156 million from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to build road and rail links at the Upper Edmonton site, which is set to provide 10,000 homes.

Chancellor Sajid Javid announced the investment on Saturday (August 17), as part of a £600 million package to support new homes in high-demand areas.

The money will be used to bring a high-frequency rail service to Meridian Water Station, which will be served by eight trains an hour during peak times.

Work will include the construction of a fourth platform and a new section of track between Tottenham Hale and Meridian Water.

The funding will also help to create a boulevard running from the station to Lee Valley Park and beyond, along with two new parks, cycle lanes, naturalised brooks, and additional bridge connections.

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “This funding will allow us to forge ahead with providing improved infrastructure, including a more frequent train service, which is needed to support this incredible development and deliver real benefits to our residents for years to come.”

The £6 billion Meridian Water scheme suffered a series of setbacks since the masterplan was unveiled by the council in 2013.

Talks with master developer Barratt Homes foundered in 2017, with the council subsequently claiming the firm’s plans offered a “poor deal” for residents.

After discussions with reserve bidder Pacific Century Premium Developments (PCPD) fell through last year, the council said it would work with several smaller developers to deliver the scheme.

Enfield Council will now start looking for a major contractor to deliver £135 million of infrastructure works at Meridian Water.

Cllr Caliskan added: “Well connected places improve life chances. The improved connectivity that comes with this enhanced infrastructure will help local people take advantage of services, jobs and opportunities right across London – the greatest city in the world.

“The success of the bid reflects the fact that the Government recognises the huge potential of Meridian Water.

“The HIF bid is great example of a proactive council working in partnership with public sector stakeholders including the Mayor of London /Greater London Authority to deliver such a massive scheme and securing the infrastructure money that unlocks it’s potential.”