The accelerated delivery of thousands of new homes at Meridian Water is set to provide accessible training and job opportunities for thousands of local people, a new Council report shows.
The Meridian Water Residential Delivery Programme Report which was agreed by Enfield Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 16 September, confirms that the first four phases of development at Meridian Water are set to generate over 600 new permanent jobs in on-site shops and community facilities. The first four phases at Meridian Water will also generate approximately 1,200 construction jobs over the lifetime of the site.
Furthermore, a new on-site Meridian Water Skills Academy which will initially support 196 trainees a year including 10 apprenticeships per year, will expand as new phases are delivered so that it has the capacity to support nearly 600 trainees including 30 skilled trade apprenticeships per year. This will provide truly life-changing opportunities for many people living in Edmonton.
Enfield Council Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “During these uncertain times providing young people with the opportunities and training they need to start an exciting and rewarding career is more important than ever. That’s why we’re setting up a Skills Academy at Meridian Water, which will equip hundreds of local people with the skills, experience and expertise needed to succeed in the construction industry.
“Meridian Water will transform the area by reshaping the job market in this part of London, providing new opportunities and quality jobs for thousands of people to help them reach their true potential.”
The report also shows that local residents will benefit from a fantastic range of new facilities and amenities. These include:
- Community Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Provision for sailing, rowing and swimming activities – outline proposals including a barge that contains a swimming pool located in the River lea Navigation
- Gym
- A range of attractive parks and public open spaces which will also include play space for younger children and outdoor gym facilities for adults and even community gardens with spaces to grow
- Restaurant and eateries on the Western side of the Lea River Navigation – helping establish a new cultural hub in Edmonton
- Additional street cleaning and resources to tackle anti-social behaviour in the local area
- Community chest to fund local community improvement projects
Cllr Nesil Caliskan added, “It’s great to see how that the progress being made at Meridian Water will not only deliver much needed housing but improve the local area and provide opportunities for our young people to thrive.”