Mayor Josh Morgan and Old Oak Announce Historic Ground-Breaking of New Neighbourhood
Today, Mayor Josh Morgan joined Old Oak Properties to mark the official ground-breaking of the landmark residential development on the former Regional Mental Health Care London (formerly the London Psychiatric Hospital) lands at 850 Highbury Avenue North. This project, to be known as Legacy Village, will become the largest residential development in the City of London’s history.
“This is a momentous occasion for our city,” said Mayor Morgan. “Legacy Village represents the largest development in the history of London, delivering 8,400 new homes for Londoners in a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood that honours our heritage and supports the future. Through strong partnerships with major developers like Old Oak, faster permitting, and innovative incentives, we’re making it easier to build and grow in London.”
“This is a special day for everyone at Old Oak. For seventy years, we’ve had the privilege of helping shape London’s skyline and its communities, and now, it’s incredible to see Legacy Village becoming a reality,” said Robert Bierbaum, CEO of Old Oak Properties. “This will be the largest development in London’s history, and we’re proud to invest in one of the city’s core areas at a time when housing is needed more than ever. This project will bring new homes, new jobs, and new life to a site that means so much to London. We are thankful to the Mayor, City Councillors, and everyone who came out today to celebrate this milestone with us.”
“When complete, Legacy Village will provide homes for roughly as many people as the town I grew up in. With park and school space, commercial and community space, it will be a huge draw to live, play and work in east London,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. “I’ve met the Old Oak team overseeing this project many times, and to see it progress to where shovels are in the ground today is so exciting. I look forward to continuing our work together in bringing this area to life.”
Project Highlights
The site covers approximately 57 hectares, formerly the lands of the Regional Mental Health Care London facility until its closure in 2014.
The approved plan will deliver approximately 8,400 residential units, in a mix of low, medium, and high-density buildings, including up to 10 towers, and supporting mixed-use commercial space.
The development will be constructed in phases over the next two decades, ensuring long-term planning and integration into the broader city fabric.
The design integrates significant open-space and heritage features: a village core surrounding four existing provincially-heritage-designated buildings (the Chapel of Hope, the Horse Stable, the Infirmary and the Recreation Hall) as well as a heritage-designated treed allée.
The neighbourhood will be well-connected: adjacent to the future Rapid Transit East London Link along Highbury Avenue North and Oxford Street East; and incorporating active-transportation infrastructure such as bike lanes and multi- use pathways linking to transit and pedestrian networks.
“Legacy Village is an exciting step forward for East London,” said Councillor Peter Cuddy. “This is a massive development that brings new energy to our community, creating opportunities for families, businesses, and future Londoners to call this area home. It’s a proud day for our city and especially for Ward 3.”
“London is growing, and we must ensure our city grows in a way that respects our values: accessible housing, better mobility, connected neighbourhoods, and preserving our rich heritage,” said Mayor Morgan. “With Legacy Village, we are turning a long-under-utilized site into a community filled with opportunity and taking important steps toward our housing targets. I’m proud to see this development move ahead.”
This development will deliver:
A significant boost to housing supply in London, helping meet the provincial pledge target of 47,000 new homes by the City.
New commercial opportunities and jobs during construction and in the longer- term through mixed-use services integrated into the community.
Enhanced mobility options through transit adjacency and active-transportation networks, supporting sustainable urban living.
Preservation of heritage assets that link the new neighbourhood to London’s past, giving character and sense of place. The City of London will continue to work in partnership with the developer, Old Oak Properties Inc., and community stakeholders to ensure the neighbourhood evolves in a way that reflects Londoners’ needs and aspirations
