Improvements to Islington Green, the much-loved open space at the heart of the Angel town centre, will start on Monday 6 March.
Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive Member for Sustainability, said: “Islington Green is one of the borough’s best-loved public spaces, but there has long been a feeling amongst users and residents that it could be better still. With improvements to the planting, paths and lighting, the park will be reopened as a wonderful place for people to enjoy and also to reflect."
The work, which is due to be completed by the summer, will retain the overall structure of the space, but will include new planting and lawn, a relocated entrance on Essex Road, increased seating opportunities and better lighting and sight lines.
Whilst preserving the historic layout of the park, the improvements will make subtle but important changes to support the green’s current uses and ensure its longevity. The large grassed areas will remain, reflecting the park’s primary use as a space for relaxation.
The level of some paths will be changed in order to protect the roots of the London plane trees and create safer paths for park users. Other landscaping will include the removal of redundant walls and retaining structures, planting of hedges, relaying of lawns and the selective felling and replanting of some trees. These measures will ensure that there are trees to last the next 100 to 200 years. There will also be new park furniture, and safety and security will be enhanced by improved lighting and sight lines.
Work will began on Monday 6 March and will be completed by the summer.
The new War Memorial will be installed and rededicated before the park is reopened to the public this summer.
The improvements are being funded by Islington Council using Section 106 funding, which is provided by major building developments to benefit the local community.
Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008