GNLP redeveloper gets green light – what does this mean for Finchley food bank?

UAE investor, Arada, has been granted permission to begin pre-planning on the Great North Leisure Park redevelopment, despite arising concerns for Food Bank Aid’s distribution centre on the property.

Food Bank Aid, a food and household goods donation distribution centre, supported over 30 food banks over last calendar year. Their donations helped approximately 20,000 North Londoners a week, with over a quarter of recipients being children.

While the GNLP has been home to the distribution centre for the past 5 years, concerns emerged about what the redevelopment means for the future of Food Bank Aid.

When questioned about the likelihood of Food Bank Aid’s impending evicition, media representatives of Arada declined to comment. They stated that the questions put forward about the GNLP were “not for [them]”. Food Bank Aid’s eviction remains a possibility.

The community has proudly vocalised their disagreement with Arada since the first proposal in early 2025. Local petitions against the redevelopment garnered over 16,000 signatures as of October 2026, alongside support from Finchley MP, Sarah Sackman.

Residents also raised £13,000 and counting for legal fees towards a judicial review. This came in reponse to deputy mayor, Jules Pipe, overturning the initial rejection and granting approval on the proposal.

Finchley local, Karin Dale, expressed concern on Arada’s decision to abstain from conversations surrounding Food Bank Aid. “It’s absolutely shocking, but I’m not surprised,” said Dale, a vocal advocate on social media for the leisure park. “The food bank does really important work for the community. It’s sad to see a good thing be taken away because of some big company.”

The proposed changes will entail the construction of 1,502 high-rise flats and a refurbished leisure centre in the place of the beloved Vue cinema, countless restaurants and Food Bank Aid’s distribution centre.