Policy information sourced from the Islington Core Strategy

CS 3 Nag’s Head and Upper Holloway Road

Continue to focus and promote a mix of retail opportunities along the main ‘high streets’ of Holloway Road and Seven Sisters Road to provide a better range of shops. The permanent and event-focused markets in the town centre will continue to play an important part in the retail offer. The existing town centre boundary will be extended along Holloway Road and Seven Sisters Road. The Development Management Policies will define the town centre boundary, mix of uses, and related frontages policies specific to the Nag’s Head.

Encourage development of underused land within Nag’s Head, to maximise opportunities to provide new retail premises where possible, along with other employment uses. Some opportunities exist for residential development above existing retail uses. Opportunities will be identified in the Site Specific Allocations.

Improvement of the public realm to enhance the environment for pedestrians and cyclists is a key priority to reduce the negative impact of the significant traffic flow. The streetscape will be improved, making it less cluttered, more inclusive, attractive and safer, with increased safety of access to the Sobell Leisure Centre. Better links will be encouraged across the busy Seven Sisters Road, Tollington Road/Isledon Road gyratory systems, and Holloway Road, and, if feasible in the long term, the gyratory system will be removed. In addition, opportunities for greening this corridor will be maximised through planting, green roofs and enhancement of existing open spaces. The historic environment should be used as an asset when developing improvements to the public realm.

Maintaining and enhancing the provision of employment spaces, including those along Holloway Road towards Upper Holloway station, will be important in contributing to the diversity of the local economy and providing opportunities for small and medium businesses, capitalising on all key transport links.

A supplementary planning document will be produced to create a masterplan for future development along Camden Road and the adjoining area to improve the urban design of the area and create a better pedestrian environment.

The educational institutions in this area (London Metropolitan University and City and Islington College) will continue to play an important role in contributing to the local economy.

Opportunities for evening economy and leisure activities within Nag’s Head Town Centre will be encouraged to complement existing leisure and retail uses.

The historic character of the area will be protected and enhanced, with high quality design encouraged within the town centre and along Holloway Road through a supplementary planning document.

Links will be encouraged between the town centre and Arsenal (Emirates Stadium), to contribute to the wider commercial and tourism opportunities in the area.

For more information please see the Core Strategy