A humble slip-road that shares the same name as Angel's most popular green
space was re-opened last week (16 August) following a £250,000 makeover by
Islington Council.<br><br>
Islington Green - which connects Upper Street and Essex Road - has been
transformed into a smart stone-paved boulevard by Islington Council. It's the
perfect place to relax and 'people watch' over a drink from one of the local
bars and is giving a welcome boost to local cafe culture.<br><br>
The latest improvements come less than a year after last year's £500,000
revamp of Islington Green's open space and war memorial and are a major
addition to the town centre scene for those who live, shop or work in
Angel.<br><br>
Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council
said:<br><br>
"The new street is drawing praise from traders and shoppers alike. It's given
the area a real lift, encourages walking and cycling and promotes local cafe
culture.<br><br>
"Residents tell us they appreciate well-looked after streets - it makes people
proud to live in a borough that cares for the environment.
<br><br>"So right across Islington, from Archway to Finsbury Square, you'll
now notice Islington Council is spending more money cleaning up our streets,
designing out crime and improving our open spaces." <br><br>Angel is one of
Islington's most busy and popular town centres - the improvements will be
noticed by thousands of people every day who live in or pass through the area.
In keeping with the area's Georgian Heritage, Islington Council has ensured
high quality sawn york stone paving was used.<br><br>
The pedestrianised area features new bike racks, improved drainage and a
levelled surface to make crossing the road easier for wheelchairs and buggies
and makes an impressive entrance to the park.<br><br>
Works started in May 2007 and were completed in late July 2007.<br><br>
Roger Davey, General Manager of Browns Restaurant, said: "The opening of this
pedestrian zone is great for cafe culture in Islington and fantastic news for
everyone associated with the area. Browns will certainly be playing its part
in making Islington green a relaxed, vibrant destination and we would like to
congratulate Islington Council for all their hard work in turning this concept
into a reality."<br><br>
Danielle Dhiman, Manager of Waterstone's bookshop said: "Islington Green has
always been a great place to relax with a book but these new works make it
even better. It's an enormous difference and will bring more people to this
part of Islington."<br><br>
Ends<br><br>
Note: The A1 Borough Strategy was developed in 2004 and 2005 with local
residents, businesses and key stakeholders including Transport for London. It
guides the long-term planning for the A1 and includes environmental
improvements in eight key areas for those who work, live or meet in the
borough. The eight areas are:<br><br>
1. Goswell Road<br>2. Angel<br>3. Highbury
Corner<br>4. St Mary Magdalene Church<br>5.
Holloway<br>6. Nags Head<br>7. Whittington
Park<br>8. Archway
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009