Farrer Huxley
Feedback from the consultation shows that many residents feel the open space on the estate does not provide good quality areas to play, exercise or enjoy.

Barnsbury Estate

Barnsbury, Islington

Community, nature and play underpin the masterplan for a 5.4ha housing estate, comprising significant improvements for (retained) Old Barnsbury and a fully demolished and rebuilt New Barnsbury.
 
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Type Regeneration, Housing, Community Engagement, Play, Health & Wellbeing, Masterplanning & Urban Design, Public Realm
Location Barnsbury, LB Islington
Scale 5.4 ha (54,000 sqm)
Community and landscape-led residential masterplan which will see Old Barnsbury’s 1930s blocks fully refurbished and New Barnsbury’s post-war blocks fully redeveloped to provide new homes
Client Newlon Housing Trust
Partners Pollard Thomas Edwards
Status Resident Ballot
Riba Stages 1-2 plus Ballot
 
 
Feedback from the consultation shows that many residents feel the open space on the estate does not provide good quality areas to play, exercise or enjoy.

Feedback from the consultation shows that many residents feel the open space on the estate does not provide good quality areas to play, exercise or enjoy.

Ambition

Farrer Huxley are working alongside Pollard Thomas Edwards on proposals for the Barnsbury Estate, LB Islington. The ambition is to transform the environment through a strong focus on engagement.

The proposed development is set within high-quality, accessible green spaces and leafy streets which contribute to health and wellbeing. Proposals include dedicated resident courtyards, community gardens and improved public amenity, including new parks and a community hub.

Plenty of seating in the sun and the shade, peaceful routes for a short walk, and comfortable spaces to be social.

Plenty of seating in the sun and the shade, peaceful routes for a short walk, and comfortable spaces to be social.

Impact

A Green, Healthy Place to Live

The new green spaces are designed to be meaningful – places which are well-used and well-loved by the community for play, exercise, socialising, relaxation and growing. The landscape will work hard to afford opportunities for people of all ages to keep active and get together.

Streets and ‘garden walks’ have been designed to maximise greening, integrate SuDS and provide safe and attractive cycle and pedestrian routes. New parks and green links will connect Old Barnsbury and New Barnsbury, creating a network of community focussed open space.

Approach Creating a Community Heart The existing community centre is relocated to the heart of the site. It is positioned on the route to local schools and shops, and adjacent to open space and outdoor amenities into which activities can spi

Approach

Creating a Community Heart

The existing community centre is relocated to the heart of the site. It is positioned on the route to local schools and shops, and adjacent to open space and outdoor amenities into which activities can spill out. The new Community Hub will have something for everybody, with new play spaces, adult exercise equipment, a sports court, lots of places to sit and meet, and plenty of room for a picnic under the trees.

A Playable Landscape

In addition to the more dedicated play and park areas, informal play will be integrated throughout the outdoor spaces. Resident courtyards will be child-friendly, integrating play elements such as boulders and balance logs to invite spontaneous play-on-the-way and to animate and enliven everyday journeys. The Canal Play and Nature Trail is a playful route running adjacent to the Community Hub, drawing on the ecological setting of the canal and incorporating natural play elements and fitness equipment.

Access to Nature

A mix of mature trees, new specimens and planting will provide seasonal interest and green views throughout the year. A new quiet, accessible and memorable green walk passes through Old Barnsbury’s open spaces and continues through Pultney Park to the new Community Hub.

Growing gardens will include new paths, fruit trees and seating to create a calm green idyll in the centre of Old Barnsbury.

Safe & Secure

Safety and security are key concerns for residents. The masterplan designs out dead-ends and dark corners, and outdoor spaces will be overlooked, well-lit and active, creating a safe and welcoming place, day and night. Some green spaces will be open during the day but secured for residents only at night to address any unease around anti-social behaviour.

Community Engagement

The engagement process has been resourceful, tailored and innovative, using clear and inviting graphics. Consultation has been carried out during the pandemic, necessitating covid-compliant methods of engagement. Virtual consultation, a dedicated website and leaflets have been used with the aim of reaching all members of the community. Visit the Better Barnsbury website here.

Approximately 80% of residents turned out to vote on the proposals, with 70% in favour of the scheme going ahead.