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Towering vision for Basin
WORK has begun this week on a controversial tower block schemeover looking the Regent’s Canal a Islington’s City Basin.
The scheme will include two tower blocks, 37 and 28 storeys tall, plus the opening up of the Basin for public access.
The project will also form part of a series of parks and open spaces in the area, which were previously derelict and inaccessible.
A campaign by waterway enthusiasts failed to stop the tower blocks which they said will be “obtrusive” and ruin the unique historic environment.
The first phase of work, which will take about nine months, includes building a decked entrance platform, a stairway and ramp access from City Road, and access improvements from Graham Street and Wharf Road, together with seating, lighting, paving and landscaping.
Islington’s housing chief Terry Stacy said: “This is an exciting step in the regeneration of City Road Basin. Not only will it open up access to this wonderful local asset, but it will also encourage more use of the canal and the borough’s waterways. The creation of new civic space at the head of the basin will create a fantastic open area and a new leisure destination in the heart of Islington for everyone to enjoy, alongside much-needed new homes, leisure and community facilities.”
The programme is funded by British Waterways, Miller Developments, Groveworld and 261 City Road Management Company Ltd, with £2million from Government Office for London (GoL).
Stuart Mills, British Waterways’ head of property, added: “We are very excited about our plans to new bring life and vitality to the waterside at City Road Basin, creating a fantastic new waterside destination and doubling the amount of green space. Like many other communities across Britain, Islington is benefiting from the revitalisation of the UK canal network and the transformation of old canal basins, locks and warehouses into exciting new places to live, work and play.”
The scheme forms part of a larger masterplan by Islington Council, which will involve building hundreds of new homes, an improved Islington Boat Club, shops and restaurants, and a 58 per cent increase in green space. |
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