Plans for a new community hub in Mill Hill have been given the green light.

Barnet Borough Council’s assets, regeneration and growth committee unanimously voted on Tuesday to use the site at 80 Daws Lane for a community project with the working title ‘NW7 Hub’.

A project team consisting of members of the Mill Hill Residents’ Association put forward proposals for the site, receiving support from the Mill Hill Neighbourhood Forum, the Preservation Society and Councillor Sury Khatri.

Ideas include a cafe, space for arts and entertainment and multi-purpose rooms for hire. Proposals will go back to the committee in June.

Project manager Christina Wong said it would help replace the loss of the garden centre in Mill Hill, which closed five years ago and was a “serious loss” to the community.

She said “We feel very encouraged by the council response. It’s all up for discussion at this stage of the game.

"At the moment it’s sitting there as a decaying building. They have recognised its potential for the community, and we are moving forward as parallel partners. We really feel we have made significant progress."

Chairman of Mill Hill Residents’ Association Richard Logue, who has been involved with the project team, said: “I am delighted it received unanimous support. I was keen for it to be seen as a non-political move.

“The hub is all about giving back to Mill Hill what was lost when the garden centre was shut. A number of residents felt there was a lot missing from the area.

“I am really happy we have got this far and now we need to push this forward. We will be able to give a first class facility back to the people. I’m really looking forward to it.”