A MAJOR housing development has received a £3 million grant after suffering a financial blow because of the economic crisis.

Hale Village, in Tottenham Hale, had fallen behind schedule because of a funding shortfall, but the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), chaired by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, has stepped in to ensure the development continues as planned.

Mr Johnson said the £3m grant was “good news” for residents who would benefit from the new homes and for workers helping to build on the former GLS depot.

Haringey Council leader Claire Kober said: “We have the second highest number of families in temporary accommodation in London, and it is vital new properties are built to give more people a good quality home.

“Our aim is to create thriving communities with good transport links and good civic amenities, not isolated housing units.

"With this funding from the HCA, we are a step closer to making Hale Village one of north London’s most vibrant places to live.”

The £400m regeneration project will transform the old brownfield site next to Tottenham Hale Tube station and provide 1,210 flats, a hotel, 800 parking spaces, shopping parades and a supermarket.

The 12-acre site will also include a primary school and medical centre.

It is the biggest development in the borough’s history and will be completed by the end of 2013.

The first phase, a 700-bed student accommodation, is set to open in September.