Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 28 March 2008
Artist’s impression of the new Packington Square estate
‘Launched… £100m estate by canal
THIS is how Islington’s new £109million Packington Square estate will look when finished. Demolition crews have started work on the estate, built in 1969, to make way for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed by 2016.
The Hyde Group is working in partnership with Rydon Construction on the ambitious regeneration project.
The development will have 538 rented and part-ownership homes, 301 apartments for private sale, a community centre, shops, workshops and an adventure playground.
The new estate is one of a series of housing projects being built next to the Regent’s Canal.
Simon Chatfield, Hyde’s director of major developments, pledged that the Packington Square redevelopment would breathe new life into the neighbourhood, while helping to reconnect the square with the surrounding area.
He said: “Packington’s residents voted overwhelmingly for the fresh new design, which provides new houses and spacious apartments for all the existing residents and further apartments for sale which will create a more balanced community.’’
He added that environmentally friendly measures such as a combined heat-and-power plant will help meet the government’s 10 per cent renewable energy target.
“An apprenticeship training programme is a key part of the regeneration effort,’’ Mr Chatfield said. “Local residents will be employed and taught trade skills to help build the development.’’
As part of the estate regeneration project, the historic Union Square will be restored.
New landscaping will run the length of the site.
The project will be divided into six phases over eight years.
Construction is already under way on two six-storey buildings, which will house 127 homes.