ISSN 1465 - 9425 Winter 2004 news

The Journal of the ISLINGTON SOCIETY incorporating FOIL folio

Saving Local Shops Section Break The Council’s development plans, and all the Islington Society’s campaigning for a sustainable environment, will fail unless we residents use our local shops, and learn to appreciate what an important part they play in the life of the community, writes Harley Sherlock .

In 1997 the Islington Society, with others, won a only 30 percent of the shops. And the Council’s great victory over the Council and Sainsbury’s by Development Plan does indeed designate such defeating the latter’s proposals for an out-of-centre areas, which must be located so that everyone in superstore on the Lough Road site in Holloway. Islington “should be within easy reach” of essential There can be little doubt that such a store, being shops. It seems to me that this policy has worked mainly accessible only by car, would have increased reasonably well, and that without it we would by traffic in the area enormously; and, more now be considerably worse off than we actually are. importantly, it would have been the death-knell for But there can be no doubt that the planners’ good food-shopping at The Nags Head, Barn intentions will be brought to naught unless we, as and Caledonian Road, as well as for local residents, support them. neighbourhood shops generally. The abandonment So why don’t we? And why do so many of my of the superstore means that those of us living in fellow residents in take the car to places the south of the borough, at least, have retained our like Brent Cross or Palmers Green when we have ability to walk to the shops rather than having to good-quality grocers, green-grocers, butchers, emulate the rest of the country by getting the car delicatessens and even a fish-monger within out every time we need an extra loaf of bread. walking-distance? It is very sad therefore to find our local shops Two answers are usually given to this question. again under threat. But now it is not from The first – and the most feeble one – is “price”. But anything so obvious as a Sainsbury’s superstore, but surely anyone who puts a value on their time from the more insidious actions of the shopkeepers’ cannot really afford to spend a large part of their absentee landlords who, over a period of time, try Saturday morning in the inevitable traffic jam. The to improve the value of their properties by letting second – and better-founded answer – is that the their ground-floor shops to estate agents, car is a very good shopping trolley, and allows you restaurateurs and the like, who are able to pay rents to make one trip for a whole week’s shopping. But far higher than anything that the ordinary who needs to do all the shopping in one trip by car shopkeeper can afford. The Council, as the local when there are shops available at the end of a short planning authority, has powers to prevent such health-inducing walk? gradual erosion of our ability to shop locally for Admittedly, when we were still a family of five, I food and other essentials. All they have to do is to did do most of the shopping on Saturday morning. designate “protected shopping centres” where I did it on foot; and, needless to say, it usually estate agents’ offices, coffee-bars etc are limited to continued on page 3 Campdale Road, N19 Roman Way, N7

2 Islington news Winter 2004

the Islington Society Impaired Vision?

At this year's AGM a member OFFICERS OF THE In this issue : ISLINGTON SOCIETY asked whether it would be Use Them or Lose them possible for the Society to

produce an audio version of the President – Harley Sherlock Many members have expressed concern about the future of our Newsletter for people who have Vice President – Mary Cosh local shops. Harley Sherlock's has sight problems. The Committee set out the case in his front-page agreed to look into this, but Chairman – Andrew Bosi article in this issue. The number of cannot make any decision The Croft, Wall Street, such shops has been in decline for about a response until we know N1 3NB decades. Pressure on road space, what the demand is likely to be. t.: 020 7354 8514 the money to be made from cafés, There might be some members e.: [email protected] bars and restaurants, and other who are totally blind who changes in the way we live our would require audio tapes and Vice-chairman – Alan Turner lives are just some of the pressures there might be others who are 62 Northchurch Road, causing loss of shops. But older partially sighted who have London N1 3NY people and those without private access to computers with large t.: 020 7226 2053 transport rely on their local shops. type programs. Another e.: [email protected] We and a number of number of possibility is working with DAI like minded groups have persuaded to produce a regular audio Joint Secretaries – the Council to join with us in a newsletter to include one or Frances Balfour "Use them or Lose them" poster two articles from the Islington 26 Allingham Street campaign. Society newsletter each time. London N1 8NY Two posters come with this issue It would help the Committee t.: 020 7226 5795 of ISLINGTON news, one for your to consider the matter if e.: [email protected] own use, and one for your local everyone who has difficulty David Peel shop. reading the Newsletter would 67 Hemmingford Road PLEASE PUT THEM UP let us know which of the two London N1 1BY alternatives would best suit t.: 020 7607 6387 Parking Control them. By the very nature of the e.: [email protected] George Allan, the council's problem, it is probable that Executive Member for Customer people who need help will not Treasurer – Donald Mitchell Focus - which includes Parking - 63 Cloudesley Road, read this note, so if any has sent a frank reply to our letter member knows of other London N1 0EL to him expressing members' t.: 020 7278 6573 members who have impaired concerns about parking enforce- vision would they please bring e.: [email protected] ment. The full text of his reply is it to their attention. on pages 4 & 5 of this issue. If any member might be Membership Secretary The Society is holding a special Bob O'Dell, interested in reading the meeting devoted to Parking 35 Britannia Row, articles, please make contact. Control on 8 March 2005. London N1 8QH Please call Alan Turner on Come along and have your say. t.: 020 7434 2494 020 7226 2053 or email at

e.: [email protected] Andrew Bosi, Chair [email protected]

ISLINGTON news Suggestions for topics to be covered and articles to be considered may be sent to the Society at this address. The Journal of the Islington Society Award winning Local organisations are asked to send notification of incorporating FOIL Folio activities and events they would like to be listed.

35 Britannia Row, London N1 8QH Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily t.: 020 7226 3377 e.: [email protected] reflect the views of the Society. Winter 2004 Islington news 3

Times New Roman 12pt fill line continued from page 1Times New Roman 12pt fill line Saving local shops Times New Roman 12pt Section Break amounted to more than I could Hawkes. It was he who drafted into-London direction be short- carry in one journey. But so the clauses in the Development term parking spaces in the what? Surely two 200-yard Plan to encourage local shopping, evening? journeys were better for my and who drew our attention to But all the Council’s health than one! Unfortunately them recently when we expressed development plans, and all the our children have always been our concern about the onward Islington Society’s campaigning, the only members of our family march of the estate agents and will fail unless we residents use who can cook; and, now that we coffee-bars. It was also he who our local shops, and learn to oldies are left to our own devices, recently helped to convene a appreciate what an important we are rather dependent on round-table meeting with all part they play in the life of the Marks and Spencer’s oven-ready concerned after Chris Ashby (of community. This latter point meals. We have, therefore, the Green Party), Philip Walker applies particularly to corner become involved in a weekly (of the Canonbury Society) and shops which have long been run journey to M&S at the Angel Norman Beddington (of every by expanded families who live which, although once regarded as environmental organisation above the shop, and can thus walkable, is now usually a bus- under the sun) had complained offer long hours of service to the ride. about irrational parking public by spreading their work- I can truthfully say, however, restrictions around shopping load. The Amin brothers at that I have only once in my life streets. Canonbury Place now stock driven to a superstore; and that As one who has always everything from lavatory paper was to collect a turkey for a campaigned for shopping without and groceries to freshly baked friend who was ill over cars I found myself a little outside bread and good-quality wine. Christmas. The queue at the this particular campaign; but I They can also give us the latest check-out took so long that I do recognise the shopkeepers’ cricket score from any part of the vowed never to visit a superstore arguments that, even if the world. But above all they again. And I haven’t! number of car-borne shoppers provide the sort of place for Long may my local shops make that can be accommodated in a meeting-by-chance that used to it possible for me to keep my particular area is small, it might be provided by our . vow; but they won’t be able to be enough to turn their Why our pubs should be losing do this unless we residents, as unprofitable business into a their importance to the local their customers, and Islington profitable one. And it can community is another story – for Council, as the local planning certainly be argued that our main another time! But it seems clear authority, work together to roads are just as important in to me that a very important ensure that they are not driven their shopping-street role as they contribution that we can make to out of business. are in their commuter-carrying the maintaining of our feeling of In this connection we should be role. So why shouldn’t bus-lanes community is to patronise our very grateful for the fact that we in the out-of-London direction be local pubs and, above all, to use have in the Planning Department short-term parking spaces in the our local shops. HS a powerful ally in the form of Bob morning, and bus-lanes in the "Use Them or Lose them" islington society Publications Coming soon . . . .

20th Century Buildings in Islington Fifty Years an Architect - in Islington

Alec Forshaw | photographs by Richard Leeney Harley Sherlock

200pp. 210 x 210 ISBN 0-9541490-0-9 One of the founders, now the President of the Islington at £14.99 (inc. post & packing) Society has been involved in urban housing in London for available from bookshops or from The Islington Society most of his working life, and he is actively involved in the

The story of Day Flats in and around Islington related issues of transport and land-use planning.

Andrew Bosi In his new book, due out in the spring, he tells the story of

32pp. 148 x 210 high quality and socially responsible urban architecture - at £5.00 each (inc. post & packing) and of campaigning for a civilised living and working available from the author or from The Islington Society environment in Islington - over the past fifty years 4 Islington news Winter 2004

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line Parking in Islington Times New Roman 12pt Section Break From: Andrew Bosi transport which can most efficiently be provided by the To: Cllr. George Allan purchaser. There is also anecdotal evidence that Executive Member for Customer Focus Wardens are instructed to act without flexibility, thus giving rise to the charge that their interest is in revenue I am writing to ask you about parking enforcement in raising rather than keeping the streets clear for essential the Borough. users. Hard cases make bad law, but if it were the case Although there are differing views about the need for that a driver left his or her vehicle, walked immediately and extent of parking control, there is general agreement to the nearest operational pay and display machine, and that the rules of engagement are not always clear. This is received a ticket before the display could be effected, this in part because people have become used to flouting the would be unreasonable and would bring the enforcement law, and to believing that it is not as it is, but there are regime into disrepute. also issues about consistency and about signage. People I was pleased to learn that you are giving attention to argue about the definition of loading, and while "loading the need for improved information. a packet of cigarettes or a newspaper" is clearly straining I look forward to receiving your comments on these the definition there are purchases which require matters. Best wishes, Andrew

From: George Allan well as in commercial schemes. We controls in force in other boroughs, To: Andrew Bosi are starting to require "car free since the Council's own in-house developments". Mayor Livingstone enforcement team was too small for Thank you for your letter, which I wants Islington to absorb 18,000 the growing task, and we had until gather derives from concerns additional households during the recently no clamping or tow-away expressed via the Islington Society. period of the London Plan, and this, facility. It is undoubtedly the case If I may classify your concerns into at current rates, implies a further that many motorists learnt some three areas, I think these are: 11,000 cars in Islington, unless unfortunate habits in this period. 1. clarity of parking rules; restraining measures are taken. As you may know, we have 2. flexibility or otherwise Our parking policies complement recently decided to issue a "Parking exercised by parking attendants; the planning policies in providing, Plan" enumerating our parking 3. their motivation when issuing for example, through Hire Car policies, after a long and fruitful tickets. permits and the Car Club, interaction with many I would like, however, to begin by opportunities to avoid residents stakeholders. This is undergoing putting these issues into context. feeling they have to own their final revisions and will be issued in

vehicle to enjoy the benefits of due course, and kept under review. Parking in Islington occasional car use. Clarity of Rules Islington has the second-highest Parking controls require constant human density in London, the enforcement, as long experience There is undoubtedly a huge gulf second-lowest rate of car ownership suggests that some car drivers will between the rules as they are in Britain, and yet still has the exploit the opportunity to park for enforced, and the rules as many second-highest car density in the their own convenience, with little motorists believe them to be, country. regard for that of vulnerable road bolstered as you rightly say by a Parking controls clearly have a users, bus passengers and other legacy of under-enforcement major influence over vehicle use, traffic. locally. I share the frustration that and are thus an important part of A survey carried out for The some people feel about this, and we our transport and planning policies Association of London Government are doing what we can to make the to encourage sustainable forms of in 2003 found that 51% of rules easier to understand and transport and thereby improve the Londoners think that parking apply. quality of life of our 180,000 enforcement should be stronger, There are three concepts which residents. 33% say it should remain as it is, motorists have to deal with: Successive Islington Unitary and only 13% think it should be stopping, "waiting and loading" and Development Plans have endorsed weaker. parking. Stopping - for any reason, this, and we now have tough Islington motorists have for some notably to let down passengers - is controls over residential off-street years been rather sheltered from not permitted on large stretches of parking in new developments, as the full application of parking Red Routes such as Winter 2004 Islington news 5

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line

Times New Roman 12pt Section Break and . Waiting and accordance with the rules they are appeals is small - at about 2 per parking are self explanatory, but given, rather than making them up 1,000 tickets issued. "loading" is a matter of considerable as they go along by displaying what Parking attendants are trained to debate, as to the size of goods some motorists would call deal with the behaviours they required to justify a claim to be "flexibility". There are sound routinely encounter, and we loading, and whether the activity practical reasons for this. monitor their conduct both on- has to be continuous. There is First, it is in the interests of street and by analysis of the tickets guidance from the Association of fairness that the rules are applied they issue. London Government on this, and equally, and local practices are not Incentivisation we follow it. There will always be allowed to grow up which have no disputes, but if motorists are aware basis in our parking policy. Instead I am happy to deal with the myth of the burden of proof on them, we give them rules which that the attendants are in some way they might be better able to get incorporate basic common sense. It incentivised to issue tickets. Our tickets cancelled by keeping would be quite wrong for contract with NCP bans them from delivery notes, receipts and other residents, for example, being offered any such incentives. evidence of delivery requiring to persuade attendants to give them In fact the reverse is true: NCP is loading, particularly if they use a 10-minute period of grace while required to compensate Islington private cars rather than commercial parking near primary schools, while for each ticket issued in error, vehicles. other areas had none. Our policy is which we later withdraw. We A further problem seems to be - subject to some conditions - to agree the likely number of tickets to that motorists have difficulty in allow 5 minutes for parents to be issued every year with NCP, in interpreting some of the road escort primary school children into the light of changes such as new markings and signs that we are their school. Similarly, our rules CPZs, and can both penalise and obliged to put up. I have the say that the lead vehicles of reward them for performance impression that single-use funerals and weddings are not below or above this level, but if the Residents Bays and pay and display normally clamped or removed, number of tickets exceeds 10% bays are well understood, but dual although they may be ticketed. more than the agreed level, no or even treble-use bays (ie There are guidelines for the further bonus to NCP are given. residential/ business permit/ pay & clamping and removal of vehicles This gives NCP an incentive to display) can cause confusion, as can which also embody common sense: provide appropriate levels of the Match Day scheme. The signs vehicles parked dangerously are manpower, and to operate are as prescribed by law, and if they not, for example, clamped (a efficiently, but it does not give are deficient for any reason then situation to which some motorists individual attendants any personal this can be a ground of appeal. bizarrely appear to think clamping incentive to issue tickets wrongly. The Council's web pages on is confined) but may instead be In the case of a ticket issued to parking have recently been revised towed away; vehicles overstaying in someone away getting a permit, I and now offer much enhanced pay and display are not clamped for would agree that this would be guidance on what waiting and 15 minutes after the period expires. unreasonable, and the parking loading restrictions mean, and the Secondly, there are serious service would consider the various types of sign that are in management and practical circumstances of each case. It is operation. We also have regular problems with giving attendants a sadly true, however, that there are spots on parking in the residents' wide degree of discretion. They often major conflicts of evidence magazine. can for example be subject to between parking attendants and I accept that in some areas, the bribery attempts or threats of motorists and for this reason we are signage can be so complex that the violence, and the more discretion increasingly taking digital attendants themselves make they are perceived to have, the photographs of parked vehicles mistakes. We test them on their more these opportunities increase. before ticketing, clamping or knowledge of local parking policies Thirdly, and for the reasons removing them, to avoid these before they start work for NCP. above, we do exercise an element disputes later. of discretion. We withdraw about In conclusion, may I thank you for Flexibility 15% of tickets after representations, the opportunity to explain the It is true that parking attendants or on appeal, and I am glad to say Council's position on these issues. are required to operate in that the number of successful Kind Regards, Geroge Allan 6 Islington news Winter 2004

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line City and Islington – Building a Better College Times New Roman 12pt Section Break Peter Marsh , (Deputy Principal of City briefing process. Key elements of Our building projects consist of: & Islington College) explains the college's the brief for each project included ambitious development plans creative design, importance of City and Islington Sixth Form City and Islington College was natural light, sustainable low College – a brand new building formed in 1993 from four ILEA energy solutions, flexibility of designed by architects van institutions. The new College design, and low cost solutions. Heyningen & Haward (VHH) inherited a talented set of staff and In 2002 our new Principal, Frank appointed following a RIBA design a desperate portfolio of 13 McLoughlin, introduced a 5 Centre competition. Located at the Angel buildings spread across North model for curriculum delivery - Islington. Originally designated the London. For seven long years the creating 5 Centres of Excellence on Centre for Lifelong Learning, the Governing Body - led by Jack 4 sites - all part of one amazing brief changed midway and the FE Morris - put together the jigsaw College. Using our new buildings budget didn’t wholly cover the pieces of what has now become the to create individual communities of aspirations raised through the largest investment in FE buildings learning has helped to unite staff design competition. With the in the United Kingdom. and learners at each Centre with a opening date looming ever closer Faced with exceptionally unique curriculum and learner the building was constructed under challenging cost constraints focus united under a common a design and build contract on (determined by the FEFC/LSC mission and purpose. detailed Stage E+ information. funding quango) in the order of The ‘building a better college’ Constructed by Norwest Holst, the 25% less than schools and 40% less programme is far more than just building opened in September than Higher Education, the College replacing old building with new 2003. The finished article reflects decided to keep design high on ones – it has involved a complete the quality of the design approach their agenda. Both the previous rethink of how we organise and co- offered by VHH – using high Principal, Tom Jupp, and the ordinate learning across our new ceilings and an exposed concrete current Deputy Principal, Peter campus and how excellent design frame to give space and coolth. Marsh, have continued to can transform aspirations of staff Despite the long, tall, narrow champion the importance of good and learners - even with the most nature of the site, the building design through membership of the limited of budgets. retains an intimate feeling with RIBA Education Forum. With cost The Further Education Sector is vision panels throughout that let parameters fixed and timescales for ‘the but in the middle’ where light, and wonderful urban views, completion predetermined by the learners come to take their A levels through the Goswell Road class- academic calendar, the College and vocational equivalents at 16 rooms into the corridor spaces. embarked on an extensive physical before going onto University, or The cladding material ‘Kalwall’ has building programme in 2000. where adult learners come back to a translucent quality which is The Governing Body approved an education to pick up new skills to calming by day and glows at night. ambitious programme involving equip them for work or expanded three concurrent £10m building learning for life. With over 3,000 City & Islington Centre for projects and appointed a dedicated full time 16-18 year olds and more Applied Science – in-house client team, headed by than 20,000 learners in total, City a refurbishment and recladding of Ann Sutcliffe, to manage and Islington is now the largest the old Dame Alice Owen Girls consultants and oversee the FE College in London. School. This project has been

Winter 2004 Islington news 7

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line Lucida Sans 20pt Headline Times New Roman 12pt Section Break overseen by Gollifer Langston an environmental screen onto the could a different – more interesting Architects with works carried out Camden Road together with cut building be created to better fill in occupation. Completed in May outs down through the structure to this space on the A1 corridor. 2004, the works have transformed encourage natural ventilation, this More to follow later……… the look and feel of the building project promises to be the most Once we leave our rented premises with a new glass façade and lift ambitious yet. The building is at Willen House (Bath Street) and that make the best of the being constructed by William Verry Spring House (Holloway Road) we panoramic views over Islington. As Ltd under a under a design and will finally be one college, five part of this contract the new build contract on detailed Stage centres, four sites. With build cost Piazza, which brings our two Angel E+ information. Work started on budgets of circa £1000 per square sites into one campus, has also site in September 2003, and is metre and a desire to use good been completed. scheduled for opening in Spring design to help raise aspirations of 2005. City & Islington Centre for learners and staff and to open up As well as creating new buildings Lifelong Learning – a New doors to new learners, the College for our learners, the College has building on Blackstock Road which may have been asking for the led the redevelopment of its old preserves the old Victorian School impossible of our design teams ? sites obtaining planning permission Board at it’s heart. It was opened The finished products, together for alternative use. Following the in January 2004 together with a with our client led furnishing and sale of Pitfield St, Chequer and new public “N4 library” operated in fit out demonstrates that the search Rochelle the biggest sale followed partnership with the London for impossibility creates the with the sale of Bunhill Row which Borough of Islington. The reviews possible – creating buildings was swiftly replaced by the Cass speak for themselves: “markedly superior to the norm” Business School for City University. “a building of unusual spatial (Rab Bennetts in Building Design). Both Annette Road and Shepperton richness“ This set of projects would never Road have been sold to Crest (Architecture Today), have happened if it were not for Nicholson for residential “who would have thought a further the dedication of the Governors of conversion, under designs by Heber education college would get an the College and the continued Percy Parker. The Annette Road – avante guard design and Philippe support of the Local Authority. now known as UrbaN7 - scheme Stark chairs ?” The planning department has also started on site the day after we left. (The Independent) played a key role in raising Our last redundant free-hold site “…you have to see it to believe it” aspirations and promoting good on Benwell Road is still in the (FX) design. Our staff and learners have development stage – we’ve worked Together with art installations exhibited patience and enthusiasm with DTZ and Wilkinson Eyre to funded by the in equal measures – many have produce a residential scheme Partnership this new building moved four times in as many years! which preserves and restores this contributes substantially to the I hope we have done them all Pevsner listed structure to its regeneration of the Finsbury Park justice. PM former glory – complemented by area – raising hopes and modern new buildings to refill the aspirations and creating a safe streetscape along the Benwell and place for learning that deliberately Hornsey Roads. looks outwards and provides learning opportunities that reflect Our last site - City & Islington the cultural richness and diversity Centre for Health Social and of this part of . Childcare – another early1960s building is now coming under the City & Islington Centre for spotlight. Would it be better to re- Business Arts and Technology clad and replace all the services or – a new build and refurbishment project that will add around Opposite page : left : Sixth form college, Goswell Road 2500m2 of modern Wilkinson Eyre right : Centre for Business Arts and Technology, design and breath new life into a Camden Road

1960s secondary school structure Centre for Lifelong Learning and N4 Library located on Camden Road. Using Blackstock Road 8 Islington news Winter YEAR

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Letters to Islington news City Road Basin Times New Roman 12pt Section Break Rab Bennetts of Bennetts Associates cafes and other public uses, the specific proposals for elegant, tall Responds to Harley Sherlock's article upper floors will be residential buildings in the right places. about the proposals for City Road Basin rather than commercial, so the Whilst there may be a sentimental (Islington News : Spring 2004) Basin will serve as the focal point attachment to the character of

Dear Sirs for a genuine neighbourhood. London’s so-called villages, the • In contrast to Battlebridge and Greater London Assembly, Among the many interesting items Paddington Basins, the proposed Islington Council and many of the in the Spring edition of Islington new development parallel to the local people we consulted are News were two that had special water is low-to-medium scale and excited by the prospect of significance. is fronted by new landscape. Only regeneration at a higher scale in The first celebrated “an archi- at the head of the Basin by City places that do not always accord tectural coup” on Holloway Road, Road are we proposing tall with the established urban centres. whereby an exotic creation by buildings, where there is a clear The zeitgeist favours bold schemes Daniel Libeskind has enlivened not case for a grander scale. City Road like City Road Basin and only a major thoroughfare but also is in the same category as Libeskind’s building in Holloway an institution with a less than Holloway Road in that it demands Road. distinguished reputation for some bold treatment, but there are As local and central government modern buildings elsewhere in the also several other tall buildings in come to grips with the high-density vicinity. Although iconic the immediate area, notably policies that underpin sustainability architecture is now all the rage, Peregrine House, which rises to 26 and the creation of the “compact there are many places that would stories. city” (as advocated by Harley have baulked at this kind of • Quite apart from the fact that Sherlock and Richard Rogers, building and it is to Islington’s Harley Sherlock’s plea for a low among others), I believe London credit that the potential for scale development is an economic will change a great deal for the visionary architecture was impossibility, my primary concern better. The Angel and the Nag’s recognised at the right moment in is that it would appear suburban in Head need not be the only vibrant the planning process. an area that should have all the centres within Islington and both The second article offers vitality and gravitas of a dense, the Holloway and City Roads will something of a contradiction, in urban “quarter”. I have always felt see regeneration fuelled by high that radical change and bold the nearby 1980s Pickfords Wharf quality, modern development. architecture at City Road Basin are scheme to be a tragic lost oppor- That change is on the way is seen as a threat rather than an tunity on account of its unduly low inevitable; it is equally certain that opportunity. As the architect for density; it consumes far too much the Islington Society is at the the scheme I must declare my urban resource for so few forefront of any debate about the interest before going any further, beneficiaries. Borough’s future and I welcome but there are several key points to • Finally, having consulted widely the opportunity to explain why I be made that should explain why over the masterplan for City Road believe that change of this kind can the Basin is not going to suffer in Basin, I can say with confidence be a positive influence if it is the way that is suggested. that it has substantial support, not carried out with sensitivity, vision • Far from being a highly only for the principle of and quality. cherished amenity at present, the regeneration but also for the Yours sincerely, Rab Bennetts Basin is run down and largely inaccessible, being surrounded for the most part by the walls and fences of derelict buildings or electricity substations. The whole point of the current master- planning exercise is to open the place up for everyone, with new open spaces, moorings, continuous walkways and a brand-new boat Aerial View of club for Islington. Whilst the Masterplan ground floors will contain some model looking South Winter 2004 Islington news 9

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Review North One Artists Times New Roman 12pt Section Break The work of a group of Islington Artists sculpture. I think it was exhibited recently at the Cowcross is fair to say that the

Street Gallery. Alan Turner reports artists’ motivation is North One Artists recently held largely that they like their second exhibition of doing it and they paintings, drawings and prints at like other people to The Gallery in Cowcross Street. be able to see their The name of the group is a work. Even so, it is giveaway and was chosen because nice when people the majority of the members live in buy work and over a South Islington, with one or two third of the pictures just over the border. It is a small hung were sold, group of twelve friends who have which seemed a very backgrounds as either professional respectable artists or as fairly serious amateurs. achievement. Some of their names may be Whilst writing, I familiar to some readers - Joan must say something Dannatt, Shelby Dawbarn, Sally about The Gallery. Dawson, Julie Lacey, Dick Negus, Cowcross Street is Brian Pattenden, Patrick just within the Robertson, Jane Tuely, Alan Islington boundary Turner, Gordon Wigglesworth, and The Gallery Annie Williams and Lucy Wynne. consists of two large It was suggested that I should interconnecting write a note about this for Islington rooms in the offices News, but as a participant; of Alan Baxter & obviously I cannot write as a critic. Associates, However, perhaps I may be consulting engineers, involved "White Bird" Collagraph forgiven for reporting that several principally with design and the Lucy Wynne, 2004 visitors remarked on the high urban environment. Over the years standard of work and one went so this firm has made the space exhibitions because the partners far as to say there is “a wealth of available to a variety of organ- and staff enjoy having them, rather talent in N1” Be that as it may, it izations and has become an than using the space merely for was an enjoyable event and important meeting place, not only economic gain. It seems to me that seemed to be appreciated by the locally but in a wider London a firm with this kind of philosophy people who came to see the work. context. The Cowcross Street is a valuable member of the wider The range of techniques and media building houses several amenity community, providing space which was very wide, including etchings, groups, bodies such as London is used by organizations whose lino cuts, collagraphs, screen Forum, who regularly hold their objectives are cultural and social. It prints, paintings in acrylic, oil and meetings there and Alan Baxter has is a pity that there are not more watercolour and a wall hanging a programme of changing firms with similar attitudes. AT

Harley Sherlock says in response to Rab Bennetts' letter Road Basin, the potentially unprofitable bits are surely defending the City Road Basin Masterplan the tall slender towers. "Of course my old friend Rab Bennetts is absolutely "Such towers are fine in the right place; but, if right to draw our attention to the fact that London is to avoid the monotonous environment that developments must show a decent profit if they are to is beginning to swamp so many cities, it must retain its subsidise the upgrading of the environment around intimate small-scale areas as a foil to the imposing them. large-scale areas exemplified by the City's Square Mile. "But since when have developers not made good "At City Road Basin lets keep the scale down, the profits out of four/five storey buildings in Islington? profits up, and the environment typical of London's And, in the case of the published masterplan for City surprises!"

10 Islington news Winter 2004

Times New Roman 12pt fill line OpinionTimes New Roman 12pt fill line Make our Town Centre a Coherent Whole Times New Roman 12pt Section Break Dr Jill Nicholls, Chairman of the The kerbside railings elsewhere the Angel to allow a single

Duncan Terrace Association, writes not only prevent pedestrians from crossing phase, without any

The Angel area of Islington and its exercising their judgement as to additional delays for Upper Street town centre have come a long way when it is safe to cross and limit traffic. since I first moved here in 1985. free movement around the town By improving this crossing and We have a smart new centre, but actually encourage removing the many kerbside underground station; Sadler’s traffic to travel faster and lead to barriers along Upper Street, as has Wells has been refurbished to death and injury to cyclists been done so successfully in become a world class squeezed by passing lorries. Kensington High Street, access to entertainment venue; the N1 With the additional division could also be centre with its multi-screen caused by , visitors improved enormously and this cinema, shops, restaurants and arrive to find a town centre area linked to the heart of the piazza has transformed a essentially cut into three sections: town centre on the opposite side previously unappealing area; a Camden Passage, Upper Street of Upper Street. A further new 6th form College in Goswell North of Liverpool Road enhancement would be the Road brings large numbers of (including the N1 centre) and extension of the pedestrianisation students, in addition to those from Upper Street South of Liverpool of Camden Passage around the the City University, on a daily Road (including , former tram shed southwards to basis; we have a high street with M&S, Sainsbury’s and Boots). Duncan Street. This would make more restaurants and bars than Surely we want to make the town Camden Passage more attractive any other street in Europe, earning centre as attractive as possible to to visitors and more easily it the nickname “Supper Street”, a visitors, business and residents accessible from the bus stops and famous antique market and a and surely that means making our tube station and could easily be farmer’s market to add to our town centre a more coherent accomplished by reworking the long-standing street market in whole! access to Duncan Street and Chapel Market and some excellent The Duncan Terrace Association moving one set of lights. -theatres. All of these attract has suggested a number of The Duncan Terrace Association huge numbers of visitors to the relatively simple ways to achieve has made this case on many town centre this end but so far we have had occasions but it always seems to But what a disappointment it little success in persuading fall on deaf ears. Now perhaps, must be for visitors arriving at Islington Council and Transport with the welcome review of the Angel to find that this is a town for London to make these changes. town centre by world-renowned centre where traffic has such Firstly, we believe that the Colin Buchanan and Partners, priority over pedestrians. Islington section of Liverpool Road between there is a chance that someone Council has named this the “A1 Tolpuddle Street and Upper Street will listen and give us the properly Borough”, so keen is it to focus on should be closed. The two bus ‘joined-up’ town centre we and prioritise the major trunk road routes which use this road could deserve. We fear, however, that which passes through Islington, be easily re-routed and access for Buchanan’s brief may be too bisecting the town centre at Upper traders could be allowed via the narrow and exclude advice on Street. As part of the A1 strategy Tolpuddle Street junction before roadways. We eagerly anticipate the Council and Transport for 10am and for an hour in the their report and urge an extension London have closed and “calmed” evening. As a result, the of their remit to take in a review side roads and channelled as much pedestrian piazza of the N1 centre of our proposals. traffic as possible on to Upper could be extended right across to Street, with pedestrians being kept Chapel Market, creating a more The Duncan Terrace Association is a out of its way by long stretches of attractive and safer environment residents association which speaks for kerbside railing and low priority at for pedestrians and unblocking the 75 households in Duncan Terrace and crossings, which are overcrowded crowded corner of Liverpool Road which campaigns for improvements to and dangerous. The crossing of and Upper Street currently the local environment on issues ranging Upper Street opposite the tube occupied by the magazine seller. from parking and traffic to crime and cleansing, planning and local services. station in particular is recognised This closure would allow a re- by all but Transport for London as phasing of the lights at the Contact potentially lethal to pedestrians. crossing of Upper Street opposite [email protected] . Winter 2004 Islington news 11

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line Blue Plaques U3A (University of the Third Age) Times New Roman 12pt Section Break Alan Turner has been finding out Many members will already be Typical study groups include:- about the Blue Plaques in Islington familiar with the U3A but for those who are not: Literature I had the idea of writing something The U3A is a university in the Bridge for Islington News about the Blue original sense of the word: a Writing for pleasure Plaques in the borough. It seemed collective of people devoted to History of Art to me that short articles about learning in the third age, a time of Painting some of the people who have been creativity and fulfilment for older Music commemorated might be people. Languages interesting. However, on looking In the UK the U3A was started in Current affairs into the scheme and its history I 1982 and there are now over 500 Architecture discovered that things are more groups with a total membership of Table tennis complicated than I thought. For a 130,000. In London there are and many others start they are not all blue. A call to groups in Camden, Haringey, Alec Forshaw, Islington’s Highgate etc but so far none in Conservation Officer, elicited the Islington and Hackney. A small organised and run by volunteers, fact that in addition to the well group of enthusiasts are now trying with an underlying philosophy that known blue plaques, Islington to set up a group for Islington and those who teach learn and those Council put up some green ones Hackney. who learn teach. No lecturer or co- (about 12 including one at the U3As are self help groups, ordinator receives any payment. A Angel commemorating the Angel typical group in the London area Inn) and that there are also some may have 350 members and 60 erected by the LCC and the GLC. The Story of the Blue Plaques interest groups meeting weekly, I am slightly bemused by the fortnightly or monthly. They meet difference in the records. English 1863 William Ewart MP asked in hired premises or members’ Heritage claims that there are 15 the Commissioner of Works to homes in the daytime. blue plaques in Islington (not all of consider placing tablets on Typical study groups are shown them are blue!) whereas the buildings where famous people in the box above. Quite a mixed Islington booklet lists 41. I could had lived. bag, but the studies offered will 1864-66 The Society of Arts understand this if English Heritage depend on the interests, knowledge covered only the BLUE ones, but (now the Royal Society of Arts) took over the matter and the and experience of the members. this is not the case as they have first plaque was erected to Lord Annual membership contributions also listed some of the earlier Byron in Holles street. 36 are needed to provide for premises, plaques. I have not had time to go plaques were set up between administration costs and some into this but I will try to find what 1867 and 1900. The early learning materials. Obviously these the true record is for a later article. plaques were brown terracotta. will vary but a typical contribution 1901 The erection of plaques The selection criteria are that would be £15 pa. the proposed person “must have passed to the LCC which introduced a new rectangular So, if you have an interest in been dead for twenty years or have design in stone, lead or bronze. continuing learning and/or have passed the centenary of their The famous blue plaque made skills which you would like to share birth.” This is to ensure that the its appearance in 1921. When with others, perhaps you would person's reputation is mature and the GLC was created, it took like to be a founder member of the responsibility for the plaques long-lasting. Many of the people Islington and Hackney U3A. commemorated are very famous, and continued to do so until its but others are (at least to me) abolition If you are interested you can totally unknown. Most of us know 1970 Islington Council decided contact the following: to put its own plaques on something about Benjamin Britten, buildings of historic interest in Barry Davies Lenin or Marie Stopes but who the borough Membership Secretary North were Jabez Bunting or Sir Arthur 1986 English Heritage became London U3A Keith? This seems to me to be a the responsible agency on a 39 Ockendon Road good reason for investigating one national basis London N1 3NN or two little known people, which I (This information is taken from People, Places & Tel: 020 7226 7658 Plaques published by Islington Council in 1993 will do in later articles. and Blue Plaques: A Guide to the Scheme, email: [email protected] AT published by English Heritage, 2002) 12 Islington news Winter 2004

Coming Events

20 January 2005 What do we offer Members?

The A1 Borough Steve Hitchins, the leader of Islington Council The Islington Society

on the challenges and opportunities presented on • supports conservation planning work to preserve the borough's arterial route. the borough's historic fabric and individual

7.30 for 7.45 at Islington Town Hall buildings of distinction

23 February 2005 • campaigns for a high standard of design in new

The famous Islington Society Annual Dinner buildings

7.30 (Venue to be announced) • organises a varied programme of events including

talks, walks and site visits 8 March 2005

"There are more cars than parking spaces on • campaigns for better public transport and for Islington Roads" priority for people on foot, bike & public transport Presented by Islington Parking Control • produces publications that celebrate Islington's See pages 4 and 5 architectural history and its social & cultural 7.30 at Islington Town Hall, Committee Room 1

diversity

2 April 2005 • publishes neighbourhood walking trails to

Visit to Hertford Castle encourage exploration, awareness and pride of Hosted by the Hertford Civic Society place

Details to be announced • builds links between residents, officials and councillors 22 April 2005

The Annual General Meeeting with • publishes a newsletter three times a year Harry Brack, former Islington Councillor On the Packington Estate What else do we do? 7.30 and 8.00 at Islington Town Hall

The Islington Society 24 June 2005

The annual Bill Manley Memorial Pub Crawl • sends representatives to advise the Council groups with members of the Camden Society that deal with development, the environment and transport

6.00 start at The Lamb, Lambs Conduit Street

• encourages best practice through awards for the July 2005 best architecture in the borough in new or 3rd Annual Church Crawl refurbished buildings Details to be announced • is represented on the London Forum of Civic & Amenity Societies, which takes up cross-borough Other Events issues of concern, and which is a member of the

Civic Trust Don't forget the regular, informal "Meet the President" evenings at the Marquess Tavern 35 Britannia Row, London N1 8QH 9 pm on the first Tuesday of every month. In 2005 : t.: 020 7226 3377 4 January, 1 February, 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 7 June etc. e.: [email protected]