The improvements to Islington Green are now well underway. "Islington Green is one of the borough's best-loved public spaces", says Councillor Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainabilty.
"Works to improve the Green are well underway. At the heart of the Green will be the new war memorial. As part of this work, the old war memorial is being dismantled and will be incorporated into the new memorial. In May, there will be a special ceremony to mark this change and present a lasting reminder to local people.
"By the summer, with the improvements to the planting, paths and lighting, the Green will be reopened as a wonderful place for people to enjoy and also to reflect."
The war memorial was carefully removed on Thursday 23rd March, and particular effort was made to conserve the plaques to be included in the new War Memorial and the two wreaths that appeared on the obelisk.
At a presentation event in May, it is intended that the wreaths be donated to two relevant organisations in memory of the previous shrine. It is hoped that one wreath will be donated to the Royal British Legion and the second to the Islington Museum, for them to exhibit in remembrance of fallen servicemen and women. The display of these wreaths will be an addition to the new Memorial that has been designed by Royal Academy sculptor John Maine and will be rededicated in July 2006.
The improvement 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.
The improvements are being funded by Islington Council using Section 106 funding, which is provided by major building developments to benefit the local community.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008