Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan

SP8 Highbury Corner and Lower Holloway

  • Highbury Corner is a key transport node in Islington. Significant transport improvements are being delivered to improve the pedestrian, cyclist and road networks in the area, particularly around the station. The Council will continue to work with TfL to make Highbury Corner safe and accessible for all users, primarily through the delivery of an ongoing transformation project at Highbury Corner Roundabout which includes:
    1. closing the western arm of the roundabout to create a new public space, which includes Highbury & Islington Station forecourt and part of the arboretum (with the remainder of the arboretum to remain closed off);
    2. improving pedestrian crossings, which will allow pedestrians to move around the area more safely and directly, and will improve access and permeability to the surrounding area, including Highbury Fields; and
    3. introducing a dedicated, segregated cycle lane associated with the new public space, to help reduce the risk of conflicts and to make cycling safer.
  • There may be an opportunity to improve/redevelop the current station, with the potential to deck over the existing railway lines and build above the tracks. Any redevelopment would need to integrate seamlessly with the newly created public space, which will be safeguarded from redevelopment. Mixed-use development would be appropriate and active ground floor uses encouraged on those parts of the site fronting onto Highbury Corner and Holloway Road. Office use is also encouraged above the station. Opportunities to improve accessibility to the station should be explored, either as part of redevelopment or through other proposals such as reopening the old Highbury Station entrance (see site allocation HC1).
  • The LSAs of Lower Holloway Road, St. Paul’s and Upper Street are the main retail centres within the Spatial Strategy area. The existing retail and service function of the area must be maintained and enhanced.
  • Existing business uses will be protected, and the development of new business floorspace encouraged, particularly within PELs. Space which meets the diverse needs of the SME economy, including studios and co-working space, is supported.
  • Cultural and night-time economy uses will be protected. The Garage and the Union Chapel are of more than local significance, and retention of these uses is a key priority.
  • The historic character of the Highbury Corner and Lower Holloway area will be protected and enhanced, with high quality design encouraged so that it respects the local context. Views of the Grade I listed Union Chapel – a key heritage asset and designated local landmark – will be protected.
  • Highbury Fields – which lies just outside the Spatial Strategy area - is the largest open space in the borough, and one of only two designated pieces of Metropolitan Open Land. The function of Highbury Fields will be strongly protected. Development in close proximity to Highbury Fields must preserve or enhance this unique asset, including views to and from the open space.
  • Housing will come forward on sites allocated for housing as well as windfall sites within the Spatial Strategy Area.
  • Site Allocations within the Spatial Policy Area are expected to deliver 50 homes and 4,200sqm of office space over the plan period.

For more information please see the Islington Local Plan