King’s Cross:

Shaping the Future

DRAFT
Contents

Foreword 1

Summary 3

Why a Place Plan? 7

What the area is like and what the issues are 15

The vision 35

Delivering the vision:

Community and living 37

Movement and spaces 46

Local economy and public image 61

Development and renewal 71

Implementation and monitoring 79

Reference documents 80

Action plan 81
Foreword

King’s Cross is an area of constant change. Since the Across the border in Islington lie two smaller regeneration
arrival of the railway in the 1850s the area has continuously projects that have been successfully delivered in recent
evolved and adapted. The presence of the railway has years. The brand new development King’s Place facing York
accelerated the pace of change for local people and it can Way and King’s Cross Central as well as the Regent’s Canal,
often feel that at least parts of the area are in a constant opened its doors to the public in 2008. It is a successful
state of flux. mixed-use development with a music venue, gallery,
restaurant, café and offices. Heritage-based regeneration
Often change has been of huge benefit. In the late 1990s took place further south along York Way in the form of the
investment and hard work helped drastically reduce street Regent’s Quarter through the creative reuse of existing
drugs and prostitution which in turn improved safety and nineteenth century buildings.
encouraged further investment.
The level of redevelopment and investment provides
Now the former railway lands are being redeveloped in one unrivalled opportunities for the people who live in this
of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, raising the profile dynamic area. Increased and improved access to local
of King’s Cross nationally and internationally. The 2000 new employment, new public open spaces, a new library and
homes, a new university and some 5 million sq ft of new leisure centre, a new healthy living centre and more could all
office space will radically change the area once again for the be of huge benefit to the people who are already here and
people who already live on all four sides of the development. the new communities to come.

Add to that the new Francis Crick research centre being built But there are big challenges that we face too. There is a
in Brill Place, and reviews of both Councils’ own properties need for significant investment in local housing and schools.
(for example Camden Council’s Community Investment In addition to the large redevelopment at King’s Cross
Programme) that will see some buildings redeveloped or Central, there are various smaller sites in the surrounding
sold to reinvest in other local services like schools and it’s neighbourhoods that provide the opportunity to build more
not difficult to see why the scale and pace of change can at new homes, including much needed affordable homes.
times be seen as daunting – and almost always the subject
of intense debate.

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The economic climate means we need a renewed focus on This is a living document and the action plan will be
ensuring local people, in particular young people, have monitored and developed over time with continuing input
access to the new jobs that will be created and the training from the people and organisations who live and work here.
so that they have the skills to compete. And despite King’s
Cross’ connection to the rest of London, the UK and Europe King’s Cross is undergoing radical and rapid change. We will
local travel can often be very challenging. In particular the ensure that everyone who lives here can really share in the
large one-way system that dominates the area makes it benefits.
difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to move around.

It’s vital that the enormous change happening in the King’s

Cross area doesn’t leave existing communities behind.
Place shaping is a way of looking at local areas to identify
what local people need, what the opportunities are and how Councillor Valerie Leach
the two can be linked to make sure people can make the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and
most of their lives and the opportunities that exist locally. Growth
Nowhere in both Camden and Islington is it more important Camden Council
to get this right than in King’s Cross.

This joint Camden and Islington place plan and action plan
has been developed following consultation with people and and
organisations who live and work in King’s Cross. They also
draw on a range of previous consultations and engagement
in the area and a long history of community involvement in
King’s Cross.
Councillor James Murray
Executive Member for Housing and
Development
Islington Council

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Summary

This Place Plan has been jointly prepared by the London 1 What the area is like and what the issues are
Boroughs of Camden and Islington to address a wide range
of issues in the King’s Cross area. It adopts a placeshaping The first part of the Plan (pages 12-31) describes the
approach to understanding and addressing the needs and area, its people and communities and the issues they
priorities of local communities and the opportunities that face. These have been identified from data collected
exist in the area. The King’s Cross area has been chosen by both Councils, work in this area and feedback from
as an area of focus for this work because of the extensive consultations with local stakeholders and community
development and investment taking place alongside existing representatives. Key issues include the strong and
communities with their own particular needs. vibrant nature of the community as well as the
challenges in balancing the area’s various roles and
The plan is made up of four main elements which are wide mix of uses.
summarised below:
The area is undergoing substantial change as a result
of large redevelopment projects such as King’s Cross
Central, while Camden Council’s Community
Investment Programme and Islington Council’s
development of housing on Council-owned sites will
result in further development and investment in housing
and community buildings to help meet identified needs.
The area is one of the best connected areas in the
country with major transport hubs and a range of
underground and bus services, but at the same time
movement around the area can be difficult with barriers
such as roads and railways which are difficult to cross.

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2 Vision

Consideration of the area’s characteristics and

identified issues has informed the vision which has
been developed with local communities to guide the
Councils’ approach to the area and the actions and
interventions we will make and encourage our partners
to make. The vision is set out in full on page 32. In
summary it envisages a King’s Cross area where:

 Local communities benefit from their central

location and the major investment taking place in
King’s Cross  Facilities, housing (including affordable housing)
 Local people have access to employment and and services will meet the needs of current and
training and local businesses will be supported to new communities
grow  Routes through and between parts of the wider
area will be improved and barriers will be
overcome to enable communities to meet and
access opportunities
 The appearance and image of the area will
continue to improve and long term benefit will be
secured from the Olympics in 2012
 The environment and air quality will see real
improvement
 The distinct character and needs of different
communities in the area will be recognised and
addressed

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3 Delivering the Vision
 Local economy and image – which discusses
This section explains how we will go about delivering supporting local business and access to
the vision. It discusses the actions that are already employment and training; promoting the area as a
being taken and further actions that can be taken over creative and cultural hub; continuing
the short, medium and long term to achieve aspirations improvements to the area’s image; and
for the area. This section is around four themes: harnessing Olympic opportunities for long term
benefit.
 Community and living – which discusses
matters such as securing benefits for local  Development and renewal – which discusses
people, particularly young people, and minimising the importance of planned major development
the impacts of development; supporting the delivering local community benefits; projects to
voluntary sector; delivering new leisure facilities make use of Council property to generate
and youth facilities; and tackling community investment in local schools and housing and
safety. community facilities; the importance of delivering
housing on smaller sites; and the longer term
 Movement and spaces – which emphasises the potential of the Camley Street area to address
importance of making changes to the one-way some of the identified issues.
traffic system; discusses how east-west routes
and connections to Maiden Lane estate in
Camden and the Bemerton Estate in Islington can
be improved; measures to improve Euston Road
crossings and safety for pedestrians and cyclists;
connections across York Way; routes into and
through King’s Cross Central; making better use
of the canal; and delivering improved public
spaces.

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4 Action Plan

The action plan (from page 78) brings together the

headline objectives identified in the vision in a table
and details the specific actions that will contribute to
their delivery. For example, improving east-west
routes through the area will include delivering planned
improvements along Phoenix Road and Brill Place,
throughout the Bemerton Estate, ensuring the new
connection is provided through the Francis Crick
Institute (planned medical research facility) as well as
exploring options for other complementary
improvements.

The purpose of the action plan is to set out clear and

measurable steps to achieve the overall objectives and
identify the anticipated timeframes for delivery. The
actions will be monitored regularly to ensure that
progress is being made and that the plan is responsive
to change and new priorities. The action plan will be
reviewed and updated when necessary

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Why a Place Plan?

King’s Cross is an area of constant change. This plan has Islington is following a similar approach for key areas of the
been developed to try and ensure that this change is as borough experiencing change, developing action plans for
much about opportunities for local communities as it is about Archway and Finsbury Park.
major development, international travel or large institutions.

Camden and Islington are committed to addressing the

needs of the diverse communities that live in, work in and
visit our boroughs, recognising that different places have
their own particular needs and priorities that need to be
addressed in ways that best suit them.

This ‘placeshaping’ approach is about thinking and acting

strategically to address these needs in terms of investment
decisions, service delivery and physical changes.
Understanding local concerns and priorities is at the heart of
this approach, particularly as this work takes place against a
backdrop of reduced Council resources arising from
reductions in central Government funding.

Place Plans are being prepared for a number of other areas

of focus in Camden, to agree an overall vision based on the
priority issues identified with local communities and
stakeholders. A set of actions then forms a key part of each
plan to show what can be done to achieve the vision over
the short, medium and long term.

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[Insert maps showing placeshaping areas for Camden and
Islington]

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The plans will draw together the wide range of work the The wider King’s Cross area is a place of national and
Councils and our partners undertake in particular areas to international importance and is undergoing enormous change
encourage and ensure joined-up working to address the with significant investment in the area like the King’s Cross
needs of local people and places. Central, Regent’s Quarter and King’s Place redevelopments
and major transport investments. However, alongside the
Place Plans are not statutory planning documents and do major change at the heart of the area live established
not form part of the Development Plan for Camden or existing communities and valued buildings for which
Islington which comprises the boroughs’ Local Development conservation is important.
Frameworks (LDFs) and the Mayor’s London Plan, although
these are taken into account in their preparations. The The challenge is to ensure that local people see real benefits
scope of Place Plans is wide and they set an overall from this change and that what is important about the
strategic vision and a wide variety of actions for each place existing character of the area is protected. This is precisely
which may cover some planning-related issues along with a the context within which a placeshaping approach is needed
range of others. to ensure that joined-up working leads to the needs of local
communities being addressed.
The recent localism legislation gives communities the
opportunity to establish neighbourhood forums to prepare Both Councils are looking at opportunities to make more
neighbourhood plans for their area. Place Plans are effective use of their land and buildings, including to improve
intended to be complementary to neighbourhood plans. community facilities and to deliver more housing.

Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme is

“Places are areas that draw people actively exploring how better use can be made of Council-
together to live, work, learn and owned land and buildings in the area to better meet local
play. Placeshaping focuses on needs and enable investment in housing estates, schools
and community facilities. Islington Council is also reviewing
places of change and opportunity, to
its own sites to identify redevelopment opportunities,
bring strategies and investment particularly for new affordable housing. This work has the
together in deciding how best to
‘shape’ such areas.”
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potential to deliver real improvements for local people and In Camden Place Plans are currently being prepared for a
communities and is guided by a placeshaping approach to number of other areas including West Hampstead, St Giles-
ensure that proposals respond to local needs and priorities. Holborn, Kilburn and Swiss Cottage. Plans have already
been completed for Camden Town and Kentish Town. In
Some of the communities around King’s Cross are among Islington similar plans and action plans are being developed
the most deprived in Camden, Islington and London, with for Archway and Finsbury Park.
health deprivation in Somers Town and the northern half of
the Caledonian Road area being significantly high. However What the plan covers
there are opportunities to harness the growth and investment
taking place in the area to help address these kind of issues. The plan is centred on the impact of, and relationships
For example, recent opportunities arising from the new between, the major transport interchange at King’s Cross - St
medical research facility (the Francis Crick Institute) now Pancras, the King’s Cross Central development area and the
being built behind the British Library are contributing to work communities that surround them.
to address health issues in the local community. By working
with partners in this way the needs of local communities can The King’s Cross area straddles both the boundary between
have a high priority alongside high profile development. the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington and areas
north and south of Euston Road and Pentonville Road.
In Islington, deprivation linked to crime is particularly high in
the northern part of the Caledonian Ward, and throughout This plan’s focus is mainly on the area north of Euston Road
most of the King’s Cross area, income deprivation for young and Pentonville Road, which is undergoing the greatest
and older people is within the top 10% of the country. The change, facing the greatest challenges and where there are
Islington Community Fund supports a number of voluntary the most significant opportunities. However, the plan
and community groups in the King’s Cross area. Funding overlaps the area south of Euston Road and Pentonville
has been allocated to a range of sports and activities for Road, as the one-way traffic system which extends to the
both young and older people, as well as a programme of north and south of these roads is an important safety and
activities to promote healthy living. environmental issue that both Councils and Transport for
London would like to address. In addition, the area south of

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Euston Road and Pentonville Road may experience impacts The area covered does not align with ward, statistical or
resulting from King’s Cross Central (i.e. access to borough boundaries and includes parts of St Pancras &
community facilities) and development pressures (i.e. need Somers Town, King’s Cross and Cantelowes wards in
to protect conservation areas). Camden and Caledonian, Barnsbury and Clerkenwell wards
in Islington. It overlaps with areas that might be perceived
separately as Somers Town, Euston, Camden Town,
Caledonian and Barnsbury.

The area covered includes:-

 The King’s Cross Central development north of the

mainline stations which covers 67 hectares of former
railway lands and is one of the largest regeneration
sites in Europe.

 Somers Town, west of St Pancras Station which is

mainly residential with a concentration of social
housing and some important local shopping streets,
schools and community facilities.

 Maiden Lane estate, north of King’s Cross and the

North London Line railway is a large purpose-built
housing estate dating from the 1970s which needs
investment and has poor links with the wider King’s
Cross area.

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 Camley Street to the north-west provides a range of The plan will be a document that is responsive to change,
employment and storage space, but the area is opportunity and new priorities. Updating will be done on a
currently underused and poorly connected with the regular basis through the action plan. Regular monitoring will
wider area limiting opportunities for residents in Elm be undertaken to measure progress and assess the ongoing
Village to access facilities and services. relevance of actions. Where it is clear that a new focus is
required or new actions are needed an updated action plan
 The area around York Way and the Caledonian and will be produced.
Barnsbury areas includes the successful Regent’s
Quarter regeneration area and King’s Place, as well as
deprived areas of social housing such as the Ten
Estates and Bemerton Estate.

 The Vale Royal/Brewery Road area.

 The area south of Pentonville Road, which includes

many one-way streets.

The area covered in this plan is complex with a range of

needs but is also rich in opportunities. The plan addresses
those issues over which the Councils have direct control, as
well as those where we will need to work with others or
influence others including government agencies, major
landowners and partners. The intention is that the plan
identifies the aspirations both Councils and their partners
have for the kind of place they would like to see and covers
short, medium and long term actions that can be taken to
achieve the vision.

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[Insert maps showing development sites]

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[Insert maps showing streetscape projects]

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What the area is like and what the issues are

An area of strong mixed communities and a Social rent is the main housing tenure, which accounts for
almost two thirds of households – this is above the average
range of needs
for both Camden and Islington. At the time of the last
Census in 2001, overall overcrowding in King’s Cross was
The people of the King’s Cross area are diverse with cultural
high compared with the rest of the Camden and Islington
influences from many different communities, including
(using one measure 4.9% of households had more than 1.5
Bangladeshi, Somali, African and Caribbean communities.
people per room compared to the Camden average of 2.8%
and the London average of 2%) and it is clear that this issue
The local population has a number of indicators of
persists.
deprivation and disadvantage compared with the boroughs
as a whole, with poverty for children and elderly people,
health inequalities, lower life expectancy and crime being the
most striking.

The population of the area was approximately 32,000 people

in April 2001 and this is expected to grow significantly with
the arrival of new residents in coming years.

While there are estimated to be over 41,000 jobs in the plan

area, and significantly more jobs nearby in central London,
levels of economic activity are lower for both men and
women than in other parts of Camden and Islington. The
difference between the number of economically active local
people and the borough averages is particularly marked on
the Camden side of the boundary. These figures are
influenced by the large numbers of students living in the area
but also indicate that one of the challenges is to help local
people access employment.

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These statistics illustrate that while King’s Cross has many  A diverse population with a large proportion of
advantages in terms of its location, transport connections non-white ethnic groups, including significant
and investment, local communities have not always been Bangladeshi, Somali, African and Caribbean
able to access opportunities and remain at a disadvantage. communities.
 A higher proportion of children aged under 16
The community and voluntary sector in the area is strong (21%) in the Camden parts of King’s Cross than
the Camden borough average (16%).
and diverse with a long history of serving their communities
 A relatively high rate of deprivation with much
and working in partnership with the council and other
of the area defined as among the 30% most
partners like the Police and the health services. deprived in England.
 Higher mortality rates than the national and
The area is multicultural with good relationships between the London-wide average.
different communities, reflecting many years of work by the  A higher proportion of people without any
voluntary sector in partnership with both Councils and other educational qualifications than the Camden and
statutory sectors, particularly with young people. A history of Islington averages, although this is better than the
conflict between young people of different ethnic groups has national average.
been turned around in the last 15 years but only with the
commitment and energy of local people.
However, there is also a long history of community
involvement from Camden and Islington residents as was
It is also recognised that the area covered by this plan
shown throughout the planning process for the King’s Cross
includes a number of distinct communities each with their
Central development and the development of key planning
own strong identities and needs, such as Somers Town,
documents such as Camden’s and Islington’s LDF Core
Maiden Lane and Bemerton Estate
Strategies and the development of other detailed planning
guidance such as Islington’s King’s Cross Neighbourhood
Physical barriers have contributed to a certain historical
Framework.
separateness of some communities as well as the lack of
opportunities for people from different areas to meet through
shared open spaces and facilities.

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This involvement and interest was demonstrated in Key themes that emerge from what community and
workshops held locally in late 2010 to identify and ‘test’ the stakeholder groups in the area have told us at these
issues that the Council had identified to inform this plan. In meetings include:
Islington, consultation took place to shape the Council’s
Core Strategy, to set out how Islington can best respond to  The challenge of balancing the area’s various roles
the changes taking place in the local area. In Camden, and the needs of the different groups with an interest in
Shaping Services workshops (referred to in the following it. This recognises the area’s functions as a place
section) held in February and March 2011 also showed the within Camden, Islington and London, its national and
high level of involvement and knowledge that local people international role and the wide range of groups
have as the experts on their area. (including residents, visitors, students, workers, those
passing through etc) who live, work or study in, or visit
the area.

 There is so much going on around King’s Cross and

local people need better access to information about
the changes occurring in the area. There is a feeling
that while lots of information is available it is often
difficult to find and not in one place.

 Health and wellbeing are affected by a shortage of

play, recreational and green spaces, lack of support for
the vulnerable and issues relating to the transition of
people within and through King’s Cross. More could be
done to promote walking in the area through safer and
more attractive routes, better community spaces and
sports facilities and improved local delivery of health
services.

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 The King’s Cross area is rich in culture, history and
significant attractions and it was felt that these
should be acknowledged and exploited for the benefit
of local residents, workers and visitors alike.

 It important to consider the ‘sense of place’ in an area

undergoing significant change to ensure development
takes this into account. This includes the area’s
communities and history and the form of the built
environment including buildings, spaces, connections,
and views through and beyond the area.

 While crime has been reducing, it is important to

involve local people in discussions about community
safety and how perceptions of the area can be
improved. It is also important to acknowledge Further engagement with stakeholder groups in the area took
problems arising from the geographical position of place once a draft plan had been produced. Workshop
King’s Cross and the area’s image as prominent participants provided some valuable insights and input which
‘gateway’ to London. have influenced the final document.

 That there is a key link between unemployment and

skills that needs to be addressed to enable local
people to access new opportunities arising from
investment in the area.

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An area with a wide range of local services Participants were asked to reflect on the main characteristics
of their area and the challenges it faces, to consider the
undergoing change
potential impact of the Council’s agreed and proposed
savings proposals and think about potential new ways of
Communities in the King’s Cross area have traditionally had
doing things to achieve the best outcomes for local people.
a wide range of local services provided or supported by the
Councils, partners and voluntary organisations. However, in
Participants in the King’s Cross workshops identified a
the face of Central Government spending cuts, delivery of
number of the area’s strengths including its multi-cultural
local services faces a challenging future and there is a need
nature and a strong sense of community; the quality of local
to consider how this can be done in more efficient ways as a
services, especially those delivered by the voluntary and
result of reduced funding being available. This is particularly
community sector; the potential for business growth; and its
important in the context of this area where the population is
excellent transport links.
growing and further large increases in the residential
population will occur over the next 10-15 years. While this
will put additional pressure on some local services,
additional funding has been secured from developers and a
larger local population may help the viability of some existing
services.

In order to understand better the impact of service changes

on the community, Camden Council carried out consultation
in the King’s Cross area (within Camden) along with other
areas in early 2011. This work, known as ‘Shaping
Services’, brought a range of service providers together
including people who work for local community and voluntary
groups, Camden Council and other public bodies.

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Challenges identified include: Participants at the key issues workshops that informed this
plan recognised that schools could act as hubs for their
 Issues related to King’s Cross as a magnet to communities and that their role could be expanded alongside
homeless and vulnerable people and associated crime the likely need for more school places for the growing
and anti-social behaviour population of the area.
 Shortage of play, recreational and green spaces
 Lack of support for vulnerable people and issues The arrival of many new residents in the King’s Cross Central
relating to the movement of people within and through development and the emergence of new communities will
King’s Cross bring change to the existing dynamic. The development
 High levels of unemployment and lack of skills brings with it opportunities to make links in terms of shared
 Poor housing stock in need of repair with overcrowding services and facilities as well as physical links.
and potential increased demand due to recession
An area with a variety of roles and a wide
Participants expressed particular concerns over the potential mix of uses
impacts of Camden Council’s savings programme on:
King’s Cross is an area of variety and contrast and fulfils a
 Children and young people range of roles, with established local residential communities
 The most vulnerable groups who could be with their own particular character, identity and local facilities;
disproportionately affected by any closure of/reduction stations used by hundreds of thousands of commuters daily;
in services major roads; significant national institutions; and
concentrations of employment with offices, hotels, retail and
It was considered that many of these impacts could be industry.
addressed through maximising the use of property and
assets in the area; joint resourcing, planning and learning;
accessing and building the capacity of organisations and
communities as well as maximising the potential for private
sector support.

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The metropolitan, national and international transport hub at continuing to review their own land and property in the area
King’s Cross-St Pancras makes the area strategically to find ways of using assets to better meet the needs of local
important to London and beyond. The area is located on the communities.
boundary of Camden and Islington, and forms a transition
between the suburbs and town centres to the north and King’s Cross is identified as a growth area in Camden’s and
central London to the south. Islington’s Core Strategies.

The area is also home to or close to some of London’s most In Camden is anticipated to provide an additional 2,250
important institutions and attractions including the British homes and up to 25,000 additional jobs by 2026. Much of
Library, Wellcome Trust and UCL on Euston Road, the this growth is expected to take place within the main King’s
British Museum further south and King’s Place on York Way. Cross Central development site (which sits in the Central
The new University of the Arts campus within the King’s Activities Zone), but there are also other significant proposals
Cross Central opened in September 2011. that will change the nature of the area and potentially impact
on existing communities.
Part of the challenge, therefore, is to balance the needs of
local residents, tourists, retail, business and institutions, as Although this significant growth will be concentrated in King’s
well as the needs of a national and international gateway to Cross Central, Islington expects to see development take
London. place along York Way and Pentonville Road. Many of the
sites along these roads are in the Central Activities Zone and
An area undergoing physical change will accommodate approximately 6,200 new jobs. A small
part of the King’s Cross Central development (known as
Major change is taking place and planned in the area with King’s Cross Triangle) is situated within Islington and will
the combination of the King’s Cross railway lands deliver approximately 250 new homes. Improving east/west
redevelopment, transport investment and improvements to access from Islington through to King’s Cross Central will be
public spaces. These major projects are helping to shape important issue to address through these new developments.
King’s Cross as a place of national and international
importance. Alongside this major change, both Councils are

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While significant change is planned it is also recognised that - Leisure facilities including swimming pool and
Conservation Areas cover much of the area and the library to be provided as part of the new Council
incorporation of historic routes and buildings will have an offices
important role in the quality of the environment. - Community enterprise
- Small business space, local business support,
The most significant developments in the area are: local purchasing strategy and business
volunteering
 King’s Cross Central - A social and community fund
The redevelopment of the railway lands is of great - Community meeting facilities
importance to the boroughs. Although the majority of - Community safety improvements
the area falls within Camden, a small part in the north - School and children’s centre and supporting local
lies in Islington. The site was the subject of a joint schools
Planning and Development Brief in 2004 and outline - New public spaces
planning permission was granted in 2006. The
approved development provides for a total of 1,700
homes; commercial and employment space with
potential to create up to 25,000 jobs; and a new
University of the Arts campus in the restored Granary
building.

A range of benefits have been secured from the

development with input from local people, including:

- A recruitment and skills centre to provide

employability training for local people – planned
for 2013
- The Construction Skills Centre

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 Early phases of the development include the - A £1.4million contribution to the Decent Homes
University of the Arts campus for up to 5,000 students programme in Somers Town ward and £3.8
which opened in September 2011, up to 500 homes, a million contribution to a new heat and power
Construction Training Centre (which is open) and an system
energy centre. - A £450,000 contribution to public realm
improvements, including a possible street park
 The Francis Crick Institute (formerly UKCRMI) - A new pedestrian route between the site and the
Planning permission has been granted for the medical British Library.
research facility on land to the rear of the British - A construction liaison group
Library. This will be a national centre for medical - A programme to support public engagement in
research and innovation supported by Government science
funding and investment from educational institutions - Employment opportunities for Camden residents
and charitable organisations. including 40 construction industry apprenticeships
and a rolling recruitment programme for
The development will also deliver a range of local laboratory skills apprenticeships
benefits which were secured as part of the planning
approval. These include:  St Pancras Chambers/Midland Hotel:
Refurbishment and conversion of this important
- A Living Centre - a 460sqm fully fitted-out landmark building to a hotel and apartments was
community space managed by a community recently completed and the hotel recently opened,
organisation with revenue support for 20 years along with the re-paved forecourt facing Euston Road.
- A teaching laboratory for schools, capable of The completion of these works is an important marker
accommodating up to 30 school children with of the investment and improvement happening in the
slots reserved for visits from publicly-funded area.
schools in Camden

23
 New Council offices and leisure hub  Regent’s Quarter
Camden Council has decided to vacate the existing Through the creative re-use of existing nineteenth
town hall annex in Argyle Street and move to new century buildings, the regeneration has created a
premises in the King’s Cross Central development. distinctive urban business quarter based on the area’s
The new building will include a customer care centre, industrial heritage. It is a pioneering example of
which will help to improve the delivery of services and conservation-led regeneration and is proving a
the customers’ experience. There will also be a public commercial success.
library and range of state of the art leisure facilities,
including a swimming pool that will serve the existing
community as well as new residents in the area.

 Lighthouse block
This listed landmark building is in a prominent location
at the junction of Euston, Pentonville, Caledonian and
Grays Inn Roads. It is important to the area’s
character but is in a poor and deteriorating condition.
Planning permission was granted in 2009 for
redevelopment which will retain and repair the main
facades, and restore the building to its former glory.
Construction is due to start and it is a priority for
Camden Council and local people to ensure that
sensitive refurbishment is carried out.  King’s Place
The brand new development King’s Place facing York
Way and King’s Cross Central as well as the Regent’s
Canal, opened its doors to the public in 2008. It is a
successful mixed-use development with a music
venue, gallery, restaurant, café and offices.

24
Major sites where development is anticipated are included in As local authorities we have a key role in overseeing major
the LDF Site Allocations document for each borough. developments, managing the impacts on local communities
and ensuring that already established areas (some of which
Camden’s Council’s Community Investment Programme and are in conservation areas) are protected during this period of
Islington Council’s review of sites explores further change. Participants at the key issues workshops felt that
opportunities to better use Council-owned land to address more creative use could be made of land where development
local priorities. This includes a concentration of sites in may not occur for a number of years. Suggested uses
Somers Town and land in which the Council has freehold include festivals and activities linked to the Olympics,
interests at the northern end of Camley Street which is temporary food growing areas, temporary retail and other
occupied by a variety of industrial and warehouse uses. The facilities to serve new residents, markets, and spaces for
land in this area could be a significant long term opportunity community and cultural events.
to accommodate a wider range of uses and contribute more
to the area, given its proximity to Central London and King’s An area in need of investment in housing
Cross Central.
and community buildings
There are also a range of sites owned by others that might
We are responsible for a wide range of property in the area
come forward for development in the future. In Camden for
including housing estates, schools, community buildings and
example, the health service has been examining options for
commercial premises. A number of these require investment
St Pancras Hospital. A large part of the site is currently
to ensure they are fit for purpose in the longer term. In
unused and options considered in the past include the
particular, local people have highlighted the limited range and
redevelopment of the hospital to consolidate facilities on part
quality of the local housing stock and the need for more
of the site and commercial redevelopment of the remainder.
choice and an increased supply of affordable housing in the
A number of smaller sites situated along York Way and
area.
Pentonville Roads within Islington are likely to come forward
for redevelopment.

25
Camden Council is exploring how to make more efficient use Housing
of the Council’s property and buildings across the borough
as part of the Community Investment Programme (CIP). Major investment has been made in King’s Cross estates in
This is a long term programme to make and generate Camden over the years. All estates in Islington have been
investment in better quality fit-for-purpose facilities while brought up to a decent homes standard. However, a number
releasing receipts for investment in improving the quality of of estates in the area still require investment to improve the
Council homes and schools. The programme is particularly standard of homes and address issues with layout and the
important given reductions in capital funding from local environment. Work in Camden has begun on the
Government for schools and housing. following as part of the CIP:

The CIP is a long term programme to improve, shape and  Maiden Lane estate where residents have been
transform places and services in Camden and is considering involved in a master planning exercise to look at
a range of improvements to housing estates, schools and improvements on the York Way frontage of the estate
community facilities in the area in consultation with building which can provide additional affordable homes and
occupiers and local residents. More detail of the programme generate the significant funds required for investment
as it develops can be found on the Camden Council website in the rest of the estate.
at www.camden.gov.uk/cip.
 Other estates that have been identified as having
Islington Council is identifying land in Council ownership potential for future estate regeneration as part of the
where new affordable housing can be built, either as part of CIP include Agar Grove Estate and Ossulston
the Council’s New Build programme or with housing Estate. Options will be the subject of further
associations who will build homes for social rent. This exploration with residents. The aim of these projects is
includes the potential to provide more social housing on a to generate improvements in housing estates including
site on Carnoustie Drive (near Bemerton Estate) and new affordable homes.
redeveloping the York Way Community Centre to provide
additional space for a boxing club and other
residential/employment use.

26
A co-ordinated approach to these areas can identify the to keep the existing programme intact. As well as
opportunities to broaden the range of housing available in Government reductions in BSF funding, funding for primary
the area and to improve pedestrian and cycle routes in the schools has also reduced.
area and links with neighbouring estates. Key schools issues in the area include:

Islington Council in partnership with the local community has  Expansion of the South Camden Community School
investigated options to improve poor east-west connections in Chalton Street is proceeding as planned and will
in the Bemerton Estate. The consultation with residents deliver an additional two forms of entry.
recommended that proposals for estate improvements
should be worked up using available financial resources.  Maria Fidelis Convent School does not have secured
The Council will work with the Bemerton Villages funding. The school is currently split between two sites
Management Organisation to investigate what quick wins at Phoenix Road and North Gower Street (west of
can be gained in the short-term, such as improved signage Euston Station) and it had been planned to consolidate
through the estate. on one site and to become co-educational. Options for
this are being considered by Camden in the light of the
In addition to the estate renewal, there are various smaller Government’s HS2 proposals for Euston.
sites throughout the area that provide the opportunity to build
more new homes, including much needed affordable homes.  Edith Neville School in Ossulston Street suffers from a
range of structural problems that mean it will need to be
Schools rebuilt. Camden Council is exploring how a project
involving rebuilding of the school could be financed and
There are a number of schools in the area that require link to other needs in the area to deliver a range of
investment, but recent Government decisions have removed benefits.
much of the funding for Camden’s Building Schools for the
Future (BSF) programme which will affect expansion plans in
the area. Although reductions in BSF funding have affected
Islington as well, the Council has managed to make savings

27
 Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School will be improved An example of this joined-up work is the Cromer Street
as part of Phase 2 of Islington’s BSF programme. The Mosque, where a working group has been established to
existing 900 place girls school will be replaced with a explore how this well used facility can be expanded to meet
new school and is scheduled to open in November the needs of its users and the wider community.
2012, with further external works to be complete by
June 2013. In Islington, a review of Council-owned sites is underway to
determine occupancy levels of community facilities and
 Vittoria Primary School has recently been opportunities for sharing community facilities, relocating
refurbished. them, or incorporating them in new development. For
example, York Way community centre is currently too small
 Four other primary schools in the area in Islington, for the needs of the boxing club.
Blessed Sacrament, Copenhagen, Robert Blair and
Winton Primary Schools are in need of capital Islington Council is working with ward councillors and the
investment. local community to continually develop and sustain a number
of community facilities. This includes the Caledonian
Community buildings resource centre on Copenhagen Street, Jean Stokes hall on
the Bemerton estate and the Bemerton children’s centre.
Camden Council owns a number of buildings in the area The Naish Court development on Copenhagen Street
which provide accommodation for community organisations, included a significant amount of community space although it
many of which also deliver services with financial support is currently closed. The Council will work with the Guinness
from the Council. Some of these buildings require Trust housing association to try and bring this back into use.
investment and the Council will continue to explore
opportunities for improved facilities and how investment can
be generated through the CIP.

28
Planned new facilities In addition, a Living Centre which will be delivered as part of
the Francis Crick Institute development in Somers Town and
In addition to the existing facilities which require investment, will be run in partnership with the community to improve local
a range of new facilities are being provided in the area, health and well-being.
mainly through the King’s Cross Central development:
Islington Council is planning to deliver the following
 A new primary school on the King’s Cross Central improvements to community facilities:
site which is also intended to provide a permanent
home for the Frank Barnes School.  A bicycle maintenance training and repairs workshop is
proposed to be accommodated in disused garages on
 A new health centre planned as part of the King’s the Bemerton estate, run by the Bemerton Villages
Cross Central development. Management Organisation. This will provide fully
accredited training to local unemployed people.
 The Construction Skills Centre which opened in
2009 and provides specialist training to residents of the  Delivery of new affordable housing on the Lyon Street
area. housing offices site.

 A planned Skills and Recruitment Centre to provide  Plans to improve the Orkney House facilities are being
recruitment services for the post-construction period, developed. Although the site currently accommodates
although the location of this has not yet been finalised. an educational organisation, there is an underused
basement space and football pitch, and a defunct
 Leisure facilities such as a sports hall, swimming pool nursery.
and fitness centre and a multi use games area as well
as parks and play areas which will be delivered in line
with the phasing of the King’s Cross Central
development.

29
An area of major routes, key transport links in 2012 which will put King’s Cross just a seven minute
journey from the Olympic Park.
and changing public open spaces
King’s Cross and St Pancras stations are served by six
The King’s Cross-St Pancras area is a major transport hub
underground lines; Thameslink cross-London services;
for national and international rail, the underground and
mainline trains to the east midlands, north-east and Scotland;
buses and is to an extent defined by the by major roads that
high speed services to Kent; and Eurostar services to Paris
pass through it. However, while it is one of the best
and Brussels. These services bring a high level of
connected areas in the country, movement within the area is
accessibility and large numbers of people to and through the
often characterised by barriers that are difficult to cross for
area, but also bring congestion and give the area a
local residents, pedestrians and cyclists. This is a result of
transience which can impact negatively on local
the one-way traffic system that dominates the area.
communities. Further international links are planned
including services to Frankfurt and Amsterdam from 2013.
Many of the barriers within the area were the result of
phases of development which didn’t replicate the existing
Euston Station, close by to the west, provides services to a
street pattern as well as the severance caused by the
wide range of further destinations and has also been
railways and canal which have historically divided parts of
identified as the London terminus for High Speed 2 (HS2).
the area.
Camden Council does not support the HS2 proposals, but if
approved by the Government, it would involve significant
Rail
redevelopment in large parts of Camden including Euston
with potential impacts on areas such as Somers Town.
The opening of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the
arrival of international services in the redeveloped St
Improvements to King’s Cross mainline station are underway
Pancras Station marked a significant step-change in the
which will significantly increase passenger capacity, with a
area. The subsequent opening of high speed services to
new concourse and new platforms now open. A large new
Kent has further enhanced the breadth of transport links in
square will replace the ‘temporary’ concourse and canopy on
the area and will lead into the ‘Javelin’ links to the Olympics
Euston Road in 2013.

30
 Roads, pedestrians, cyclists

The main east-west traffic route in the area is Euston Road /

Pentonville Road which forms part of the ring road around
central London (and forms one section of the King’s Cross
one-way traffic system) and marks the northern boundary of
the congestion zone. Euston Road and Pentonville Road are
often congested and are seen as a barrier, both physically
and psychologically, between areas north and south. Many
existing crossings are difficult to negotiate and prevent
pedestrians from crossing the road in a single cycle, or fail to
align with pedestrian routes to the north and south.
It is also difficult to cross for cyclists travelling north-south
through the area. This is an issue for local residents and
 St Pancras International station – opened in visitors and makes access to nearby attractions difficult for
2007 those leaving the stations on foot or by bike.
 New Thameslink station – completed in 2008
 High Speed rail services to Kent – opened 2009 The intersection of Euston, Pentonville, Grays Inn Road and
York Way in particular is a key traffic node and an area that
 King’s Cross mainline station – redevelopment
has a poor pedestrian environment and is difficult to
ongoing, to be completed by summer 2012
negotiate for cyclists, with a history of accidents.
 King’s Cross – St Pancras Underground station
new northern and western ticket halls – both now
The major roads in the area are important traffic routes but
open
can significantly impede pedestrian movement and form
 Capacity increases on underground lines serving barriers between communities. Camden’s Transport
the area – now and ongoing
Strategy 2011 commits the Council to reducing severance
 Cycle hire stations as part of the Mayor’s cycle and improving safety and access to services and
hire scheme – various locations South of Euston
Rd now operating and further expansion planned.

31
opportunities. Islington aims to increase permeability Camden and Islington Councils are currently working with
through the area (in particular between King’s Cross and Transport for London on a study that investigates what
Islington, and to the canal), investigate changes to the one- changes could be made to the one-way traffic system in
way traffic system to reduce the dominance of vehicles and King’s Cross, with as one of the main objectives being to
improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. improve traffic safety. Changes to the one-way system are
key to transforming the area.
To this end the Council is currently investigating if
Caledonian Road, between Wharfdale Road and Caledonia Improving the environment for pedestrians is part of the
Street, can be converted to two-way traffic, with the aim to works around the station. ‘Legible London’, a pedestrian
reduce the speed of traffic and improve road safety. way-finding system to help people walk around London, is
already being used in parts of the area including at cycle hire
East-west connections through the area are also limited, with sites. The distinctive maps help tourists and residents
few alternatives to Euston Road for pedestrians and cyclists. orientate themselves and there is scope for the scheme to be
Where routes do exist they are often not easily identifiable, extended further north into Kings Cross Central for example.
particularly for visitors and there are community safety
issues with these alternative routes, particularly at night.

TfL’s cycle hire scheme includes a number of sites in the

King’s Cross area including around the stations and College
Place and a number of sites north of Pentonville Road.
There is high demand for cycle hire around King’s Cross and
more cycle stations are needed to meet demand. Some
improvements are planned to improve cycle routes south of
Euston Road and a scheme to improve accessibility for
cyclists travelling south from Euston Road was completed in
March 2012.

32
Islington has developed its own wayfinding signage system,  York Way improvements: A range of improvements
with over 50 boards situated at key arrival points, high are underway and planned along York Way which
streets and other key locations in the borough. Whilst the marks the boundary between Camden and Islington
style of Islington’s wayfinding boards is different to Legible
London, it also contains an annotated and easy to read map The number of visitors and people passing through the area
of the local area. Such wayfinding schemes encourage means that many public spaces and footpaths are
walking and cycling and so contribute towards improving congested, particularly around the stations. While the new
health and well-being. squares and spaces around the stations will help in the
longer term, there will be particular pressures during summer
New public open spaces 2012 with large numbers of additional visitors for the
Olympics and Paralympics including an additional 10,000
Alongside transport investment, improvements are planned people per hour expected to use the Javelin service from St
to a number of key public spaces and streets: Pancras.

 King’s Cross Square: New square to the south of Several specific suggestions were made for transport
King’s Cross station on Euston Road to be completed improvements during the key issues workshops. These
in 2013. included better bus services (particularly to Maiden Lane),
links into through and around the new King’s Cross Central
 Station Square: A new square to be provided north of area and better east-west links including a bridge across
the western concourse of King’s Cross station King’s Cross station. Improving crossings over Euston Road
completed in Summer 2012. for pedestrians and cyclists was highlighted as a key priority.
Separation of traffic, cyclists and pedestrians was felt to be
 King’s Cross Central: Extensive areas of new public important and it was highlighted that routes should not just be
open spaces including 20 new streets 10 new public safe but also pleasant and attractive.
spaces, including the ‘Boulevard’ leading from the
stations to the new Granary Square between the canal
and the new University of the Arts.

33
Workshop participants also said there was a shortage of Local environment
green space and community meeting places in the area and
they emphasised the need to take best advantage of existing The area is dominated by heavy traffic flow roads and major
open spaces and opportunities to create new ones. In train lines, contributing to high noise levels and poor air
particular, the canal and Camley Street were thought to be quality. This leads to a poor environment for people visiting
areas which could be further enhanced. the area as well as the consequent health effects on the local
population.
Islington Council has carried out community consultation on
a number of green space improvement projects in the area:
Thornhill Square heritage regeneration project, Thornhill
Bridge community garden, Joseph Grimaldi Park, Edward
Square, Tiber Gardens and Bingfield Park (Action Plan ref.
5.8).

Despite the unprecedented investment underway in

transport and public spaces, a number of barriers to
movement are likely to remain and overcoming these will be
critical in enabling better connections between the area’s
communities and access to the new facilities being provided
on King’s Cross Central.

34
The vision

The wider King’s Cross area will be a place where local  Delivering improved routes between different parts
communities see real benefit from living close to one of the of the area that are safer and easier to use for
best-connected locations in the country and one of the most pedestrians and cyclists
important regeneration schemes in London. The
redevelopment and investment underway in the area will  Continuing to improve the appearance of the area
complement the area’s existing strengths, improve links and the quality of the public realm
between neighbourhoods and enable the area to match the
best international standards as a place to live, work, study,  Ensuring local people have the skills and
visit, do business, or to pass through. There will be effective qualifications to access existing and new job
joint-working between partners, developers, business and opportunities
the community to deliver on the following objectives:
 Supporting the local economy, helping local
businesses to thrive and grow and promoting the
 Securing real local benefits from major area as a cultural and creative hub
development and ensuring that the community is
 Securing long term benefits for the area from the
informed about development and any adverse
Olympics
impacts are effectively mitigated
 Ensuring sustainability and the quality of the
 Delivering services and facilities that match the
environment, particularly air quality, are a priority
needs of existing and new residents, improving
health and wellbeing, and addressing the health
 Supporting beneficial development and securing
inequalities that affect parts of the area
investment in local schools, affordable housing and
community facilities
 Improving community safety and perceptions of
the area
 Exploring further opportunities for development to
address local needs such as housing, schools,
employment and community facilities

35
Delivering the vision

Our approach to supporting and promoting the success of

the wider King’s Cross area and maximising opportunity for
local communities will be based on a set of specific actions.
These have been organised under four distinct but
interlinked themes:

 Community and living

 Movement and spaces
 Local economy and image
 Development and renewal

These themes are helpful in bringing together the range of

issues at play in the area, although there are areas of
overlap between them and some issues could live in more
than one theme.

A summary of the identified issues and potential ways of

addressing them are described under each theme below,
with specific actions brought together in the Action Plan that
follows.

36
Community and living

The communities of King’s Cross are strong and diverse and

a key element of the vision is to ensure that the change and
investment taking place in the area is beneficial to local
people, including young people and people of minority
groups, in the opportunities and facilities it will provide.

Key areas that a placeshaping approach can influence

include:

 Ensuring that there are opportunities for local people to

influence decisions that affect their areas.
 Securing a wide range of benefits to local communities
from major development which responds to local
needs.
 Improving access for local communities to the
opportunities brought by major developments Neighbourhood Planning
 Improving physical links within the area and to
With the official commencement of Neighbourhood Planning
surrounding areas and new urban spaces that are in April 2012, local communities are now able to form
about local people as well as visitors neighbourhood forums and produce their own
 Exploring shared service provision in partnership with Neighbourhood Plan, which can set out their objectives and
local organisations. influence the type of development in their areas.

In the King’s Cross area, the local community are

These areas are addressed within this theme and also under progressing with setting up the King’s Cross Neighbourhood
the other three themes where appropriate. Forum to prepare a neighbourhood plan for the much of the
northern, western and southern part of the place plan area.
There is also interest from the community in Somers Town in
establishing a neighbourhood forum for that area.

37
Community and living

Both Councils are committed to supporting the Amongst the benefits secured through the legal agreement
Neighbourhood Planning approach and working together for Kings Place in Islington are a 425 seat auditorium with
with the community to help deliver shared objectives. rehearsal rooms, a community space and a publically
Although the scope of issues covered may differ, the Place
Plan and any neighbourhood plans which cover parts of the accessible gallery space. To maximise the use of these
area could therefore be mutually supporting documents spaces an outreach programme was developed to engage
which guide the future shape of the area. with local schools, community groups and voluntary
organisations and promote participation in music and arts
Securing local benefits from major development events at the site.

As described earlier in this plan, major change and Benefits associated with the Regent’s Quarter development
investment is taking place alongside some of the boroughs’ include the provision of affordable housing, public art and a
most deprived communities and both Councils have a key contribution towards employment and training initiatives in
role in continuing to secure benefits for local people. the area.

A comprehensive package of benefits has been secured One project progressing due to financial contributions
through legal agreements with the developers of King’s received from Regent’s Quarter is an east to west pedestrian
Cross Central, including funding for a new primary school, route, linking the new developments at Kings Cross Central
the Construction Skills Centre, the new leisure hub and with Caledonian Road and Thornhill Square, through the
library, and improvements to surrounding streets (including Bemerton Estate. This is designed to encourage more people
York Way, Wharfdale Road and Copenhagen Street) to use the spaces, potentially reducing incidents of anti-social
Similarly a range of local benefits were negotiated with the behaviour and creating a safer, more pleasant environment
promoters of the Francis Crick Institute. While there was for both residents and visitors (Action Plan ref. 4.23).
concern locally when the facility was proposed, we were able
to engage with local people and the developer to secure the Further proposals will emerge in the area, including through
Living Centre which will provide a much-needed new Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme (CIP)
community space and a major financial contribution towards and Islington Council’s review of Council-owned sites which
vital improvements to local housing estates. can deliver benefits such as improved housing and new

38
Community and living

affordable homes, investment in schools and updated mostly the downsides of proximity to major developments
community facilities. after many years of disruption, dust and noise.

These benefits have the potential to make a real difference Both Councils require detailed construction management
to the lives of local people and the opportunities available plans for development and have a range of regulatory
locally. Local people and groups have played a hugely powers to ensure impacts like noise, traffic, dust and
important part in influencing what benefits developments pollution are minimised during construction. While some
should provide and we have an ongoing role to ensure that impact is inevitable given the sheer scale of construction
the benefits that have been secured are delivered as agreed. planned over the next 15 years or so, we will continue to take
We will continue to engage locally to ensure communities a strategic overview of how development is organised and
have a say on major developments and to enable sequenced with the aim of keeping disruption to a minimum.
partnership approaches where appropriate (Action Plan ref
1.1 and 10.6). In particular, extensive consultation and
engagement is integral to ensure that local people can help
shape proposals.

Minimising impacts on local people

It is important that communities that live close to major

developments see how they benefit from change and
upheaval both in the long and the short term.

Somers Town, for example, is located between two major

focuses of current and planned development around King’s
Cross St Pancras and Euston and has already experienced
the major construction works that brought the Channel Rail
link. It is not surprising therefore that some residents see

39
Community and living

In the longer term, significant redevelopment is expected at single employer face and help to maximise CSR offers in the
Euston, either as a result of the High Speed 2 rail proposals area. Opportunities for partnership working between both
or, if these do not proceed, a reversion to Network Rail’s Councils and the King’s Cross Business Partnership are
previous proposals for station rebuilding. In either case, the being explored.
impacts on the Somers Town community will need to be
carefully considered and appropriate benefits secured in There are also opportunities for local residents to work with
terms of safety, accessibility and permeability of the station existing businesses and institutions. For example, British
area and access to employment and housing. These issues Waterways are working more with volunteers to improve the
are being addressed through Camden’s response to the canal environment and this could be harnessed in the King’s
Government’s HS2 consultation and consideration of the Cross area along the Regent’s Canal (Action Plan ref 2.1).
need for a strategic plan (an ‘Opportunity Area Planning
Framework’) for Euston and surrounding areas. (Action Plan
ref 1.6)

Harnessing corporate social responsibility funds

Local people have suggested that forming better

relationships with local employers should also be explored to
better harness their corporate social responsibility (CSR)
funds to support local activities, particularly with the
voluntary sector and for young people. Discussions are
underway around CSR issues for Camden as a whole,
through the Camden Business Board, to explore this further
with businesses. With the large number of new businesses
that King’s Cross Central will attract this could be particularly
beneficial to this area. Islington Council has set up a
business and employability team (BEST) who function as a

40
Community and living

Supporting a strong voluntary and community sector Delivering a new leisure hub

The area has a range of voluntary and community groups In January 2011 Camden Council decided to proceed with a
which are well-established and provide valuable services to new building on the King’s Cross Central site to house staff
the local community. The services delivered by voluntary and services that are currently located in a range of older,
sector groups offer activities appropriate to the cultural mix in inefficient and expensive buildings. It is estimated that
the area, projects for young people and the elderly as well as moving services in this way will save in excess of £77million
links with local primary schools. Initiatives such as the and help to modernise the way Camden Council provides
annual Somers Town festival of cultures, the Argent Arts public services in the future.
Programme and ongoing events at King’s Place bring many
of the area’s diverse communities together. The design includes a brand new purpose-built sports centre
and library (to replace St Pancras library) which is planned to
Many of the organisations in the area deliver services with open in 2014 and which will transform the range of leisure
support from the Councils and this raises an obvious facilities available in the area. This will be a key tangible
challenge given the reductions in funding now available as a benefit of the ongoing King’s Cross development for local
result of central Government spending reductions. people in both Camden and Islington and adds further weight
We are having to think creatively about how we can support to the importance of improved routes and connections in the
local services in the future and this has informed the area, highlighted under Movement and Spaces, to ensure the
Shaping Services work described earlier in this plan. new facilities are accessible to local people. In particular, it
Following the workshops held earlier this year, this work will emphasises the need for improved connectivity across the
consider how we can help enable services to be delivered Euston Road for communities to the south.
more efficiently and in a way that focuses on the local
priorities. This might include considering co-locating Making community safety a priority
services and combining the provision of the Councils’
services to improve efficiency and resilience and considering Community safety has been identified as a major issue for
the role of the area’s schools as hubs for the community residents in a number of forums and surveys around King’s
(Action Plan ref 2.2). Cross. While it is important to emphasise that statistically

41
Community and living

and anecdotally there have been significant improvements in There are some specific localised issues in Somers Town
terms of reducing street crime, the wider perception of the including instances of visible drug-dealing, as well as
area has not necessarily reflected this and there are a ongoing debate about managing access onto and through
number of issues that continue to affect people in the area. estates. This relates both to safety and community cohesion.
Issues around gating are addressed in the revised Camden
Endemic problems faced by the area which are priorities for Planning Guidance published in 2011 and access and
Camden’s Community Service Delivery Plan include routes through estates in Somers Town are being considered
robbery, serious youth violence, burglary and domestic as part of the strategic review of Council-owned sites in the
violence. area (see Movement and Spaces section).
Important work taking place in the King’s Cross area
In Islington, many public spaces experience issues with anti- includes:
social behaviour. This includes the area towards the bottom
of Pentonville Road and Caledonian Roads, along  Safer streets team working with street population in the
Caledonian Road, Bemerton estate, and nearby parks such area
as Bingfield Park, Barnard Park, Thornhill Bridge Community  Operation Target (Met Police) will focus on snatch
Gardens and Regent’s Canal. The Council’s work to parks thefts/robbery for 6 months
has helped to reduce incidences of anti-social behaviour.  Enforcement and diversion tactics implemented to
This includes the Community Alcohol Partnership which counter serious youth violence
focuses on reducing underage drinking by work in  Islingon’s MAGPI (Multi Agency Geographical Panels in
partnership with local businesses, trading standards, Islington) tasks adult outreach teams to areas worst
licensing, the police and residents. affected by anti-social behaviour to work with street
population
In the King’s Cross area, Islington’s outreach teams have  Islington police are involved in targeting snatch thefts in
identified a core set of sex workers on a number of the Caledonian Road area
occasions over the year indicating an established population  Islington is deploying a range of enforcement and
of individuals. diversion tactics to counter youth anti-social behaviour
and involvement in crime. This includes Team Cally,

42
Community and living

coordination of voluntary and statutory groups in the

area, and use of ASBOs and injunctions
 Work with faith and community groups to raise
awareness of how to tap into support services and
report crime or anti social behaviour as well as
workshops delivered around drugs and alcohol

More broadly, it is important to ensure and build on joint

working between various agencies in the area (Met Police,
British Transport Police as well as station operators and
major developers such as Argent).

It is also important to minimise opportunities for crime and

anti-social behaviour (ASB) during major development. This
includes ensuring there are safe routes around construction Key issues will continue to be monitored though Camden’s
sites. Good pedestrian links can also improve community community audit scheme and through Islington’s MAGPI
safety and links and strengthen community cohesion, which team, together with public consultation and analysis of data
emphasises the importance of the improvements sought to set the strategy for the area. This work will prioritise the
within the Movement and Spaces theme. issues that community intervention will focus on, leading
multi agency problem solving, and focussing on the most
Anti-terrorism remains an issue for the Police and the problematic groups and locations. Community presence will
Councils, particularly given the high profile nature of the also link into this strategy ensuring the frontline aspects of
stations in the area and will be a particular focus in the lead- community safety (Police, community wardens, housing
up to and during the Olympic Games security, parks patrol service and CCTV) are utilised as
effectively as possible (Action Plan ref 3.1, 3.1, 3.3).

43
Community and living

Effectively managing the night time economy is also and the use of the new Living Centre as well as issues such
important to community safety in the area, particularly as the as improvements to walking routes and open spaces; access
local population grows. We will engage with local providers to training and employment; and addressing issues with the
in the area to investigate the establishment of a stakeholder housing stock. Therefore health issues are seen as an
network as well as the potential for a ‘departure lounge’ for important thread through this plan, rather than an issue that
people to wait safely to leave the area at night (Action Plan can be addressed separately through a specific action.
ref. 3.4, 3.5).

Addressing health inequalities

One of the marked characteristics of the King’s Cross area is

that there are a number of indicators of poorer health in the
area than elsewhere in the boroughs. For example, the
average life expectancy in the St Pancras and Somers
Town, Caledonian and Barnsbury wards for both males and
females is significantly below the average for the borough as
a whole.

These inequalities may be attributable to a number of factors

including environment, lifestyle and deprivation and have
persisted for many years (decades even).

Addressing such ingrained issues is challenging and health

in the area has been the subject of numerous initiatives
previously. It is therefore important that health is considered
a key priority across the range of actions and interventions
that are made in the area. This will span health education

44
Community and living

What we are already doing: Proposed headline actions:

 Working with communities to secure local benefits  Enable partnership approaches to how local
from major development such as King’s Cross communities influence major developments.
Central and the Francis Crick Institute.
 Communicate better the benefits of large scale
 Considering how best to support the community and developments to local people as well as the ways
voluntary sector in time of reduced resources. they can be engaged and consulted.

 Working towards delivery of a leisure hub in 2014 as  Ensure impacts of major developments on local
part of the new Camden Council building. residents are minimised.

 Implementing the Camden Community Service  Explore options to develop a Corporate Social
Delivery plan. Responsibility strategy.

 Making the area a priority location for the  Investigate innovative delivery of services in
Community Safety - Location Management Group. partnership with local communities and voluntary
groups.

 Implement new community safety approach in

conjunction with local communities.

 Develop environments that facilitate healthy

lifestyles including access to physical activity,
access to healthy diets, and that promote good
mental wellbeing.

45
Movement and spaces

The vision for the King’s Cross area envisages improved who live and work here and those who visit or pass through
connections between different parts of the area. This will the area.
improve access to opportunities for local people and deliver
better quality routes and spaces that allow communities to In the short term, there will be particular pressures during the
meet and improve the quality of experience for all in the Olympics with large numbers of additional visitors using the
area. In particular changes to the one-way traffic system will transport interchanges and accessing the Javelin high speed
improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists. train service from St Pancras to the Olympic park. We have
an important role in planning for this period and managing
Improving transport routes and public spaces can also have impacts, as well as in the longer term planning to reflect the
economic, sustainability and health benefits. Camden’s importance placed on improved walking and cycling routes,
Transport Strategy 2011 and Islington’s draft Transport transport links and open spaces by local people.
Strategy (Local Implementation Plan) set out the direction
for transport for both boroughs.

To achieve real improvements in the King’s Cross-St

Pancras area it is important to explore opportunities to
develop more attractive, safer and easier to use routes and
to overcome some of the existing barriers that have been
identified.

Investment already underway will markedly improve routes

and spaces in the area, in particular by opening up
connections through the former railway lands and providing
important new and improved public spaces. However,
further work is required to ensure the area’s local
connections and the quality of spaces meet the needs of all

46
Movement and spaces

Improving east-west pedestrian and cycle routes

Euston Road and Pentonville Road form the main east-west

road through the area and is a major traffic route which is
often heavily congested resulting in air pollution, a poor
pedestrian environment and an unpleasant and dangerous
cycling experience. We would like to see improvements to
the environment along Euston Road and Pentonvile Road.
This will involve working with TfL who are responsible for
these roads to ensure the pedestrian and cycling
environment is a priority, as well as recognition that the lead-
in time to make changes to a major trunk route can be
lengthy (e.g. up to two years for changes to traffic light
sequences).

Alternatives to Euston Road and Pentonville Road for east-

west travel do exist but can be difficult to recognise or
navigate for visitors, or unattractive to local people and not
well used.

47
Movement and spaces

Alternative routes through Somers Town have been subject A new east-west route will also be provided through the
of previous studies. However, this is now given further Francis Crick Institute development which aligns with the
importance by the expected increase in visitors moving western exit from St Pancras station and its link through to
between Euston station and the Javelin service from St King’s Cross station and the ‘Boulevard’. There is an
Pancras during the Olympics and in the context of HS2 opportunity to explore potential onward connections west of
proposals (if the Government decides to proceed) in the Ossulston Street through Somers Town, to provide another
longer term. Improving routes between the stations will also alternative route to Euston and to improve accessibility for
help relieve pressure on Underground services and has local people.
potential to increase footfall in local shopping streets such as
Chalton Street. (Action Plan ref 4.2, 4.9) Improving east-west movement through Somers Town will
require routes through housing estates to be formalised.
Opportunities for improved routes through Somers Town are This will require consultation with local residents and will also
being considered as part of the strategic approach to the provide opportunities for improvements to courtyard spaces
Camden Council land in the area described in Development and to better define publically accessible routes and private
and Renewal. spaces.

Funding has already been secured for improvements along Potential improvements to the Goods Way ‘tunnel’ under St
Phoenix Road/Brill Place to improve footways and make the Pancras can also be explored to make it a more attractive
route more attractive. This will be delivered by summer walking and cycling route between King’s Cross Central and
2012 and will make the route a more attractive alternative to the residential areas to the west.
Euston Road. More ambitious improvements will be
progressed following this, supported by the financial There are a number of proposed connections into the King’s
contribution from the Francis Crick Institute. This might Cross Central site from York Way to the east which will allow
include a ‘Street Park’ on Ossuslston Street next to the new access into and through the development for Islington
development. residents. There has been a long-running campaign for a
pedestrian footbridge over the railway lines just north of
King’s Cross station to improve local permeability and access

48
Movement and spaces

to King’s Cross Central. The safeguarding of the potential Removing barriers and improving crossings
route expires in 2012 and consultants have studied the
options and found these to be impractical due to the high King’s Cross is characterised by some busy major roads
costs compared to the benefits that it would bring. which can be difficult to cross for pedestrians and cyclists
Therefore, while it would improve access for some Islington which then act as barriers between different parts of the area.
residents, this option is unlikely to be pursued. In particular Camden Council and local people have long-
held aspirations to make Euston Road easier to cross and
Copenhagen Street is the main east-west arterial route the need for this will become even more marked as
across King's Cross Islington and traffic here could worsen development of King’s Cross Central progresses, increasing
with the construction of the King’s Cross development. activity north of the road. TfL is responsible for Euston Road,
Copenhagen Street could benefit from traffic calming, de- but we have an important role in lobbying and highlighting the
cluttering and the provision of cycle facilities, to improve the importance of improving crossings.
area for pedestrians and cyclists (Action Plan ref. 4.17).
Funding to deliver these improvements has been secured To tackle the issues created by the one-way traffic system,
through the King’s Cross Central development (Section 106 Transport for London in partnership with Camden and
agreement). Islington Council’s is investigating changes to the road layout
to improve connections and the general environment for
The King’s Cross area could be enhanced following pedestrians and cyclists.
improvement proposals at the Bemerton Estate; one of
Islington Council’s regeneration aspirations. Whilst large- We have been successful in securing funding for the
scale redevelopment has been ruled out, public space and following improvements, which will make some key roads
environmental improvements are still proposed. The estate and junctions around the stations easier to cross:
currently creates a barrier to east-west movement between
King’s Cross Central and Caledonian Road and suffers from  Replacing the neighbouring staggered crossing over
the problems in terms of social deprivation and a poor Pancras Road between King’s Cross and St Pancras
relationship between the buildings and surrounding public stations with a ‘straight across’ crossing.
spaces.

49
Movement and spaces

 Replacing the two stage crossing and narrow

pedestrian island at the southern end of York Way with
a straight ‘across crossing’ in conjunction with
improvements to York Way (pavement widening etc).

 Providing pedestrian improvements at the junction of

Wharfdale Road and York Way (Action Plan ref. 4.19).

These works are planned for completion by summer 2012.

However, we will continue to highlight the importance of
other key crossings in the area, particularly crossings
between the north and south sides of Euston Road at Argyle
Street and Pancras Road, Judd Street and Midland Road
and the crossing in front of the British Library. We will also
continue to lobby for improvements for pedestrians and
cyclists around the Euston Road, York Way, Pentonville The development will be delivered over many years and local
Road and Grays Inn Road junction (Action Plan ref 4.8). residents have highlighted the importance of ensuring that
accessibility around and through the site is maximised during
Providing routes through King’s Cross Central and the the construction and that an overview is taken of temporary
surrounding area changes to existing routes (such as road closures) to make
sure accessibility is maintained. The importance of
The approved masterplan for King’s Cross Central provides communicating change to existing routes to local people was
for a network of new streets and pedestrian and cycle also highlighted.
routes. These will serve new residents and businesses, but
importantly will also enable existing communities to access
new services, facilities and opportunities and are vital to
integrating the development into the wider area.

50
Movement and spaces

Both Councils will continue to work with Argent to ensure Existing walking and cycling routes south from the estate are
that all parties are kept informed (Action Plan ref. 4.15). A not attractive due to the quality of the environment and lack
dedicated Camden council webpage for the King’s Cross of natural surveillance, such as windows of residential
Place Plan will be developed to complement Argent’s properties overlooking the public highway. This makes
construction newsletter (which is currently sent to 4000 access to the rail stations and emerging opportunities to the
households quarterly) and the King’s Cross Development south challenging. The internal layout of the estate makes
Forum. The Action Plan will also be monitored on a regular navigation for outsiders difficult, reinforcing the separateness
basis and will show progress on highlighted actions and new of the estate from the wider area.
actions can be added to be responsive to changing priorities.

Both Council’s will continue to consider how streets and

routes leading into King’s Cross Central can be improved.
This will include consideration of Copenhagen Street and
routes through Bemerton estate. In particular, routes
providing access to surrounding stations must be
considered, such as to Caledonian Road and Barnsbury
Station (Action Plan ref. 4.20). Furthermore, opportunities to
reopen York Road Station on York Way (in Islington) will be
pursued (Action Plan ref. 2.6).

Improving connections between Maiden Lane and the

wider area

Maiden Lane is physically separated from much of the wider

King’s Cross area by railway lines to the south and west.

51
Movement and spaces

Work is ongoing to explore options for development in the overlooked as King’s Cross Central blocks are
eastern part of the estate and the Council-owned industrial constructed and if development on the Maiden Lane
site next to York Way as part of Camden’s Community commercial site proceeds. There is also potential to
Investment Programme and estate regeneration work. explore improvements to the public realm to make it a
Principles include improved permeability of the York Way more attractive walking route, particularly under the
frontage of the estate and measures to improving the bridges.
integration of the estate into the wider area.
 Bus routes – There is currently one bus route between
Longer distance links have also been identified as important the estate and King’s Cross stations. However, there
and was a theme discussed at the key issues workshop held are plans to extend existing bus routes into King’s
on the estate. The following aspects that have been Cross Central to serve new residents and businesses,
identified: (Action Plan ref 4.10, 4.11, 4.12) and there may be potential to extend these further
north to serve Maiden Lane. This will need to be
 The bridge over the railway lines to Camley Street explored with TfL/London buses.
is enclosed, has blind corners and is not overlooked
which dissuades many from using it. Lighting and  Maiden Lane station – There has been a long
mirrors have been installed but more fundamental campaign to re-open the former Maiden Lane station
improvements will be expensive and might require a on the London Overground north London line and
new bridge to allow a more direct route. Solutions can funding has been secured through the King’s Cross
be considered as part of master planning work for the Central development to undertake a study into the
Camley Street area (see Development and Renewal feasibility, which is currently underway.
theme).

 York Way is the main route between the estate and

King’s Cross but for pedestrians the northern end is
unattractive and involves passing in a lengthy ‘tunnel’
under railway lines. Much of the route will become

52
Movement and spaces

Connecting the Camley Street area Some key improvements have already been made,
specifically the new pedestrian and cycle link from Agar
The industrial area along the northern part of Camley Street Grove which has improved access into the area from the
has been identified as an area that could be redeveloped in north. We will continue to work with others to identify
the longer term (see Development and Renewal theme) to improvements that can be made in the short term alongside
accommodate a wider range of uses. However, access to the longer term planning for the area (Action Plan ref 4.13,
this area is currently poor, particularly walking routes to 4.14).
residential areas like Elm Village, which contributes to the
sense of detachment from much of the wider area. Making better use of the Regents Canal

Improved routes into and through the area will be crucial to The Regents Canal is an important asset but has not been
ensuring positive change can be achieved and consideration used to its full potential in the past. Development at King’s
of these issues will be an important requirement of future Cross Central offers the opportunity to open up access and
work to explore the potential of the area. In particular take advantages of the opportunities it offers as a corridor for
assessment would be needed of the key infrastructure that recreation, movement and biodiversity.
might be required if the use of the area is to be intensified
and residential development takes place. This might include However, in increasing use of the canal, it is important to
a new bridge over the canal and improved pedestrian links to balance needs of different users – walkers, cyclists, those
Maiden Lane and Agar Grove estates. Consideration of how using for recreation and those using it for commuting. There
they can be funded would be required. Exploring options for is also a balance to be struck between opening the canal up
this area can also help identify improvements that can be to wider use while maintaining its character as a series of
made to routes even if significant development does not take tranquil spaces away from the hustle and bustle of King’s
place. Cross.

53
Movement and spaces

We will work with British Waterways and developers to

improve access to the canal while protecting the positive
aspects of its character (Action Plan ref. 5.9). We will also
seek opportunities (such as Legible London) to promote it as
an alternative walking route between Camden Town and
Angel (via King’s Cross), which can aid in reducing pressure
on the underground (Action Plan ref 9.1).

Delivering improved public space around stations

The footways and public spaces around the stations are

heavily used and often congested. Significant investment is
planned in conjunction with station improvements including
the major new square on Euston Road and the new public
The towpath is the responsibility of British Waterways who space north of the new western concourse.
will become a charitable trust from April 2012. They
recognise that the canal towpath is shared by a variety of The areas around the stations are the first impression that
users, including the elderly and children, and are keen that many visitors get of London and so they have an important
parallel routes are available for commuter cyclists and that role as a gateway, as well as for commuters and local
the towpath is managed. British Waterways has people. These areas are the responsibility of a range of
commissioned a masterplan for the stretch of canal either bodies including Network Rail, TfL, St Pancras International
side of King’s Cross Central in conjunction with Argent, and Argent. We therefore have an important role in trying to
which suggests a range of projects to improve access to the ensure that improvements are co-ordinated to minimise
canal and enhance its environment. disruption to people using the area (Action Plan ref 5.1, 5.2)

54
Movement and spaces

 Exploring the potential of other areas (e.g. proposals

for Olympic-related events and pavilions on the Argent
site) to absorb some pressure.
 Using visitor information and Olympic ‘greeters’ to
make visitors aware of attractions in the area away
from the stations (e.g. British Library, Regent’s Canal,
Granary Square, Chalton Street, Marchmont Street)

Securing funding for local public realm improvements

There are a number of other areas where there is potential

for improvements to the public realm, including the northern
end of York Way mentioned previously. We will continue to
work to secure funding for such proposals, including
Work on the new square will not commence until after the contributions from developers. A range of opportunities for
Olympics, but is a key proposal that will transform the ‘heart’ local improvements may also arise through the Councils’
of King’s Cross in the longer term. However, the new space projects in the area including around Edith Neville and Maria
north of the western concourse will help visitors to disperse Fidelis schools and Barnard Park where projects may be
over a wider area during the Olympic period (Action Plan ref taken forward following feasibility and consultation work.
8.1, 8.2). Further measures that might help alleviate this
pressure include: Considering the future of the gyratory traffic system

 Engagement with train operators and Olympics bodies The one way gyratory traffic system around Pentonville
to minimise the number who need to queue for Road, Grays Inn Road, York Way and Caledonian Road has
services in the immediate vicinity of the stations. been identified as an important issue locally contributing to a
poor street environment and making roads difficult to cross.
This system is part of the TfL road network and within both

55
Movement and spaces

Camden and Islington. TfL in partnership with both Councils Where the maps cover areas of King’s Cross within Camden,
is investigating the feasibility of introducing changes to the Islington Council will work with Camden to ensure that the
existing traffic arrangements on these roads. correct information is included on the maps.
As an initial piece of work, Islington Council is investigating
whether two-way traffic can be introduced on part of In addition, both Councils have a role in working with station
Caledonian Road to improve this part of Islington and reduce operators and developers to ensure good quality and signage
the speed of traffic. and information is provided (Action Plan ref 4.3).

Improving pedestrian signage Encouraging cycling

There is an issue with signage and legibility, including lack of Both Councils are committed to encouraging cycling and
consistency between mainline stations, underground and making improvements to make cycling more attractive and
street-based signage. Improvements could assist in making safer. In addition to exploring improved routes and crossings
visitors aware of walking routes to nearby areas (e.g. Russell outlined elsewhere in this section, we are working to ensure
Square, Camden Town or Angel) which will in turn reduce secure cycle parking is provided at major transport hubs such
pressure on tube services and stations. as King’s Cross and St Pancras. We are also working to
improve signage and introduce ‘cycle stations’ that provide
The Legible London signage scheme has been rolled out secure cycle parking, shower and changing facilities, on-site
south of Euston Road and is addressing these issues in a bike maintenance and a cycling accessories shop.
co-ordinated manner. There is potential to extend this
further north to the area around the stations and ultimately Camden Council is also working with TfL to improve cycle
into the King’s Cross Central site, which could further routes in the area south of Euston Road by opening up one-
encourage walking to the north such as Camden Town. way streets for two-way cycling, which will improve legibility
Islington Council will continue to roll out its wayfinding for cyclists and reduce the impact on them of the wider one-
boards across the borough, including at King’s Cross. way traffic system. The works are funded by TfL and will be
carried out between January and March 2012 (Action Plan
ref. 4.16).

56
Movement and spaces

Improving local streets Protecting and enhancing parks and green spaces

To help reduce speeding traffic and prevent accidents, The need to take the best advantage of existing open spaces
Islington Council is implementing a 20 mile per hour speed and to create new ones where possible has been identified
limit on most streets in the King’s Cross area that are within as a priority for local stakeholders. The quality of open space
Islington. Camden Council is considering similar measures provision is important to the health and quality of life of local
for its streets in the area. communities.

It is also considering the further enforcement of a lorry ban Green spaces and resources in the area vary in character
on Copenhagen Street by installing a width restriction and nature from pocket parks such Purchese Street, to
(Action Plan 4.22). housing estate land, to the quiet refuge of Camley Street
Natural Park, the Urban Growth project in Barker Drive and
Islington Council will be delivering improvements to to the linear canal that runs through the area.
Caledonian Road (between Caledonian Road & Barnsbury
Overground Station and Pentonville Road) and
Cophenhagen Street over the next three years. This will
provide walking and cycling improvements including
pedestrian crossings and footway widening. Traffic calming
and measures will also be implemented to help prevent
traffic collisions. This is a particular concern in the
Copenhagen Street area, which currently experiences high
levels of traffic collisions.

57
Movement and spaces

Opportunities should be taken to look at all the open space / and/or external fundraising for delivery of the full masterplan
green provisions, particularly on council owned land and as originally proposed.
housing estates as part of wider council programmes, to
ensure all possibilities of ensuring the best access to spaces Islington Council is continuing to investigate the possibility of
are considered. re-establishing public access to a small open space on the
Regent’s Canal to the east of York Way (adjacent to the
The general accessibility of the Camley Street Natural Park Tiber Gardens estate). This space has been closed in recent
will be improved by planned infrastructure improvements, years due to a high incidence of anti-social behaviour. This
particularly a new bridge link across the canal which will is being addressed through design improvements to the
provide better physical links to the reserve. publicly accessible area, and the inclusion of a community
garden is being explored as part of the improvements.
Recent investment in local parks in the area has included
Camden’s Pathfinder work at Purchese Street and The King’s Cross Central development will provide a series
Goldington Crescent to improve play facilities. Opportunities of new open spaces both within and on the edges of the
to better utilise open spaces such as St Pancras Gardens for development that will assist in improving access to open
example could be explored with partners or friends of parks space for the surrounding area. Work is also being
groups. This could help facilitate the further improvement of progressed to make better use of the canal as detailed
the existing provisions, together with targeted improvements above. There may also be opportunities to create new or
from S106 monies where received. improved open space in Somers Town through work looking
at Council-owned (CIP) sites in the area and if
In Islington, a major consultation-led masterplanning redevelopment occurs in the Camley Street area.
exercise was undertaken for the regeneration of Barnard Given the high land values and competing pressures for uses
Park. The total cost of implementation was estimated in the in this location all opportunities for innovative new provision
region of £5 million; £1 million of which has already been of open spaces (such as accessible green roofs) will need to
secured for partial implementation. A feasibility study is now be explored as new developments come forward which can
in progress, focused on the potential for a reduced scheme enhance both the biodiversity of the area and open space
provision (Action Plan ref 9.4).

58
Movement and spaces

Improving air quality What we are already doing:

Air quality and airborne pollution, particularly along Euston  Working to deliver improvements along Brill
Road, Pentonville Road and other main routes, are a Place/Phoenix Rd by Summer 2012.
significant issue and have been highlighted by local
stakeholders. Much of this is generated by road traffic and  Secured new east-west route as part of the approval for
we will continue to work with others, including key the Francis Crick Institute
stakeholders like TfL on measures such as encouraging
alternative transport modes, improving traffic flow and  Working to deliver improvements to three key crossings
promoting the use of electric vehicles. by Summer 2012

Camden and Islington’s Air Quality Action Plans and  Commissioning feasibility study on Maiden Lane station
subsequent reviews set out our approach to improving air
quality across the borough and brings together a variety of  Working with partners to deliver key public realm
measures to help reduce particulate matter and nitrogen improvements including King’s Cross square, station
square
oxides emissions from various emission sources (Action
Plan ref 9.5).
 Delivering improvements along York Way.

 Work to improve security at Joseph Grimaldi Park and

provide a better resource for local people.

 Provision of improved youth facilities at Bingfield Park.

 A 20 mph speed limit will be introduced on most streets in

the King’s Cross area in Islington next year.

59
Movement and spaces

Headline actions:

 Work with TfL to investigate what changes can be made  Continue to improve open spaces in conjunction with local
to the one-way traffic system in King’s Cross. communities.

 Further improve east-west pedestrian and cycle routes  Investigate opportunities to improve Copenhagen Street,
through Somers Town, between St Pancras and Euston including proposals to improve traffic safety and
Stations and through the Bemerton Estate conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

 Address remaining barriers to movement and improve key  Develop proposals for Caledonian Road, to improve traffic
pedestrian crossings safety and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

 Work with relevant stakeholders including British  Implement proposals to improve pedestrian crossings at
Waterways and Argent to make best use of the canal as a the Wharfdale Road / York Way junction.
route and public space
 Investigate improvements to routes leading into King’s
 Pursue improved transport routes and connections for Cross Central.
Maiden Lane residents
 Implement the 20 mph speed limit on roads throughout
 Ensure delivery of planned public realm improvements King’s Cross in Islington.
around the stations
 Investigate feasibility of a lorry ban on Copenhagen
 Work with range of stakeholders to minimise impacts of Street.
additional visitors on transport routes and local spaces
during the Olympics
 Improve access between King’s Cross Central and
Caledonian Road and Barnsbury Station.
 Support extension of Legible London north of Euston
Road.
 Work with others to improve air quality

60
Local economy and public image

The vision for the King’s Cross area is to have a strong local King’s Cross as being a place to spend time in rather than
economy where businesses are supported to grow and just passing through.
where local people (including young people and graduates) The ongoing investment and change in the area in recent
have the skills and qualifications to access employment years has resulted in a number of significant improvements
opportunities. to the appearance and image of the area. However there
remain a number of opportunities to further enhance and
The area is home to a range of businesses which provide a improve the area’s image which will benefit local residents
variety of jobs. Significant growth in employment floorspace and businesses as well as the wider visitor and tourist
is planned as part of King’s Cross Central in particular. This economy.
will change the balance of the local economy and broaden
the range of businesses in the area. The vision is to ensure Supporting a diverse and creative local economy
local people benefit from the new jobs and opportunities in
the area and are equipped with the skills and qualifications Significant business and job growth will be provided on the
to access these opportunities. King’s Cross Central site, which is expected to provide
around 25,000 jobs by 2025. This could be up to 65% of the
Given the broad range of businesses in the area, it is total number of new jobs created in Camden in that period,
important to consider which elements of the local economy so is highly important to the boroughs as a whole. In
will require support and the nature of support that can be Islington’s part of King’s Cross, an additional 6200 jobs are
provided in the present financial climate. It is also important anticipated over the next 15 years, approximately 15% of
to consider how ongoing improvements in the area’s image total employment growth in the borough.
and attractiveness can be built upon for the benefit of all.
The wider King’s Cross area is already home to a variety of
The Olympics presents a significant driver for change in the businesses including a significant entrepreneurial and
short term, given the number of people expected to pass creative sector. The impact of the anticipated growth on
through the area during summer 2012. It also presents an existing businesses will need to be considered and how they
opportunity for long term benefits by changing perceptions of can benefit from this major investment.

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Local economy and public image

The emerging King’s Cross Business Partnership can also

play an important role in creating a local business
environment which supports sustainable economic growth
and retention, by developing and maintaining relationships
with key business organisations to fully explore the
opportunities linked to the King’s Cross Central development
(Action Plan ref 7.1).

Supporting business

The area already contains a wide range of businesses and

some important local shopping streets which provide
important services for local residents. Supporting the small
businesses, particularly through the current recession, is
important to the economic and social well-being of the area.
Camden Council previously had resources to fund direct
business support activities however, because of the Fostering a mix of uses
reductions in Government funding to local authorities,
Camden Council is taking more of an enabling role to There is a need to ensure that the range of shops and
support small businesses by signposting them to national businesses provides for the needs of local residents as well
and regional growth support organisations (Action Plan ref as those visiting, working and passing through the area. The
7.2). shops and businesses along the Euston Road provide more
for the non residential needs whilst local streets such as
Chalton Street and the market have an important role in
meeting the needs of local residents.

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Local economy and public image

Caledonian Road and Chalton Street with its markets is residents aged 18 and over. The centre also works with
valued locally and opportunities to strengthen the market will developers, contractors and sub-contractors to fill skilled and
be explored with including considering its location, size and semi-skilled employment vacancies.
frequency to ensure it best meets this need. Issues around
licensing, parking and market management also need to be
explored to ensure that any change would not detrimentally
affect the area. (Action Plan ref 7.3)

Boosting the local economy

Worklessness is relatively high in the area and the focus on

helping local people access the jobs that are being created
in the area is ongoing. These will continue to be supported
as a means to help boost the local economy in the current
climate, although the extent of funding available to the
Councils is limited.

The King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre (KXCSC)

provides construction based training for local residents Key achievements in 2010/11 included:
linked to the King’s Cross Central development and other
construction opportunities in Camden, Islington and  Total apprenticeships starts – 145
elsewhere. The centre has an in-house apprenticeship  Bespoke training completions – 286, all Camden
programme in carpentry, bricklaying and groundwork’s for residents.
16-18 years olds; provides construction based  Qualifications completions – 148
apprenticeship brokerage and training for Camden and  Employment outcomes - 260, of which 100 were
Islington residents aged 16-24 years old; and delivers Camden residents.
employer led construction training for Camden and Islington

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Local economy and public image

We will be considering the next phase of the delivery of the The Canal Museum and Kings Place are major cultural
KXCSC to ensure it continues to provide construction based destinations in the area – the latter hosts a critical mass of
training and recruitment to support residents of King’s Cross, small music based enterprises.
Camden and Islington into sustained employment. (Action
Plan ref 6.1) Clustering is important to this sector as proximity to similar
businesses creates a sense of vibrancy and attractiveness
Discussions are also continuing to develop the business plan and opportunities to share ideas. Facilities such as ‘The
for the King’s Cross Skills and Recruitment centre to help Hub’ on York Way, offer an opportunity for small business,
support local residents to access employment opportunities individuals, or executives to meet, work from and network to
with the final business occupiers of King’s Cross Central help inspire and support each other and contribute to the
(Action Plan ref 6.2). nurturing of this sector.
It is important to continue to work closely with owners and
A number of benefits derived from S106 Legal Agreements developers, and through implementing planning policy to try
with developers of other major schemes such as the Francis and secure new flexible space to continue to attract these
Crick Institute will also provide work opportunities for local kinds of businesses. (Action Plan ref. 11.5)
people.
The King Cross Central development will provide some new
Promoting creative industries space targeted specifically for new small and medium
enterprises which will assist these industries.
The creative industries in the area contribute significantly to
the local economy in terms of both direct and indirect Promoting cultural King’s Cross
employment (i.e. through supply chain). The main creative
sectors relate to software and electronic publishing, The arrival of the University of the Arts in September 2011
advertising and video/film production. These are provided excellent opportunities to strengthen and promote
predominantly small companies 80 to 90% of which employ King’s Cross as a cultural and creative centre and it will be
fewer than 10 people and 76% of which employ fewer than 5 important to build on these..
people.

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Local economy and public image

We are working with the University and partners to improve A number of key investments and changes planned in and
the brand image of the area as a creative and cultural around the area include:
location and the University launch programme combined
with effective use of Camden’s annual Cultural Events  The high speed rail link (Olympic Javelin) from St
Programme and Islington Arts Service Delivery Plan offers Pancras station to the Olympic park at Stratford which
an excellent opportunity to achieve this. Joint initiatives such will take just 7 minutes and carry up to 10,000
as the Pop Up Festival and the Cally Festival in Islington passengers per hour.
help extend the reach and area of benefit.
 Bloomsbury will be the home to print and broadcast
The Public Arts fund from the King’s Cross Central S106 media in the lead up to and during the games because
provides an opportunity for an inventive arts strategy that of the density of hotel accommodation in the area.
reaches out and beyond the King’s Cross Central area and Although this is outside the main area of focus of this
presents the opportunity to strengthen the cultural profile of plan it is likely to result in a media focus in the area as
the wider King’s Cross area (Action Plan ref 7.5, 7.6). well as movement between Bloomsbury and the King’s
Cross-St Pancras transport hub.
Capitalising on 2012 Olympics and Paralympics
opportunities  Russell Square will be used as a transport hub for
moving the press to the Olympic and Paralympics
The Olympic and Paralympics are a significant opportunity to events and will be partially closed to enable the parking
bring long lasting economic benefits to the area beyond the and loading of buses and coaches.
actual games period, by ensuring a positive image of King’s
Cross is presented to all visitors and the opportunities that  Argent, developers of King’s Cross Central, are
arise for local people are harnessed. considering using part of the development site for 2012
related events which may include exhibitions, sponsor
and national pavilions, public art and a ‘live site’.

65
Local economy and public image

Discussions are ongoing regarding the nature of the  Increasing involvement in sport, particularly through
proposals and how they will fit with the surrounding schools, the Camden Sports Academy and the
area. ambassadors programme
 Recruiting local volunteers
 Other large institutions such as the British Library and  Securing benefits for businesses
University of the Arts are exploring opportunities to use  Securing employment benefits
their sites for corporate events during the games  Delivering improved travel options and public spaces
which could also attract a larger number of additional  Attracting tourists to the borough
visitors into the area.
The legacy programme is borough-wide, but can help
 Cally Park is the location for Babel, the largest event in address a range of issues in relation to the King’s Cross
the World Stages London project. The event will not area.
only engage local residents in the participatory
programme but bring significant numbers of visitors to For example, increased involvement in sport can have
the area. positive long-term benefits, particularly in an area such as
King’s Cross where there are identified health inequalities.
These will bring the area into sharp focus during the games
and, while there will be significant short term pressures in Many local schools in Camden, including Argyle school and
managing the increased visitors, there are also opportunities all the Islington schools in the area have signed up for the
to secure real benefits for the area and local residents. Get Set network which encourages schools to promote the
Olympic and Paralympic values and includes benefits such
Both Camden and Islington have developed a set of Olympic as the chance to secure free tickets to the Olympic and
and Paralympic legacy projects to ensure the games are Paralympic Games. Edith Neville School and South Camden
used as a catalyst to improve the lives of people living and Community School have recently been involved in the ‘writing
working in the borough. These include: images project’ where students build literacy and artistic skills
through written work inspired by the Olympic and
Paralympics.

66
Local economy and public image

A range of other initiatives are being carried out with schools The planned improvements to Brill Place/Phoenix Road, for
in the area for the Olympics. This includes cultural and arts example, will bring increased footfall through Somers Town
events to replicate the Cultural Olympics, a torch relay from which can aid safety and bring custom to local businesses,
school to school, sports days with an Olympic theme and as well as delivering longer term improvements to the local
writing/reading projects connected with the Olympic theme. environment.

The volunteering project will support local people to access The importance of capitalising on the area’s prominence
opportunities in the cultural sector; including the arts, events, during the games to attract increased visitors and support the
sports and environmental volunteering. This can help tourist economy are addressed below.
people gain valuable skills that could lead to future
employment. In addition, an Employment and Skills Supporting the tourist economy
Opportunities Fair was held at Westminster Kingsway
College in November 2011, to help give local people access The King’s Cross area is host to many visitors on a daily
to thousands of 2012 related job opportunities basis and so tourism plays a significant role in the local
economy. The Olympic and Paralympics and the visitors
Securing benefits for businesses in Camden and Islington passing through the area present a unique opportunity to
will involve promoting local procurement opportunities by support and enhance this role. In particular, the Javelin link
supporting local suppliers. Businesses in the King’s Cross from St Pancras, the torch relay passing through the area
area will be well-placed to take advantage of opportunities (including at the Canal Museum) and the events planned for
given the significant activity expected in the area. the new Granary Square will make the area a hub of visitor
activity.
The legacy projects will also deliver some specific benefits in
the King’s Cross area, including the roll-out of ‘Legible We are promoting a number of tourism initiatives, particularly
London’ signage in Camden to guide pedestrians, and in the build up to the Olympics that aim to boost the local
improvements to public spaces (such as Argyle Square) and economy by keeping people in the area longer.
public routes.

67
Local economy and public image

The Council has an important role to play with partners to The activity in summer 2012 provides an impetus to address
continue to develop this work to make the most of the these issues to project a positive image to visitors while
opportunities being presented and showcase King’s Cross embedding ongoing improvements to the area for local
(Action Plan ref. 8.6). people.

A key long term strategy is to ensure King’s Cross is There are a number of poor quality shopfronts and empty
promoted in its own right as well as the integral link in the shop units which detract from the area’s attractiveness,
chain between Bloomsbury and Camden Town cultural and particularly along the south side of Euston Road in the blocks
visitor attractions. This is part of a wider strategy to ensure either side of Birkenhead Street. A range of measures will be
that visitors stay within the borough for longer (Action Plan considered (Action Plan ref. 8.3) to improve these, including:
ref 7.7, 8.7).
 Grants or other assistance to improve the appearance
The development of a clear and defined leisure route along of shopfronts – potential funding sources need to be
the canal between Camden Town and Angel (via King’s explored including from the Olympic funds, but in the
Cross) is a key long term objective to help achieve this and current economic climate are very limited.
requires a strong coordinated approach from all partners.  ‘Dressing’ of empty units with Olympic-themed material
There has already been a lot of work undertaken to improve and/or artworks – potentially using material and funding
the canal environment and development of a British from ‘Look and Feel’
Waterways Masterplan is discussed in the Movement and  Use of empty units as pop-up shops for Olympic-
Spaces section of this plan. related promotional activity (for example art
exhibitions).
Projecting a positive image of the area
The Lighthouse building occupies a highly prominent
Whilst the appearance and image of the area has changed location on the main intersection east of King’s Cross Station
substantially in recent years there remain a number of issues and its deteriorating condition presents a poor impression for
that require attention and action to further improve the area’s the area and has raised concerns locally.
public image.

68
Local economy and public image

Planning permission has been granted for refurbishment and Taking a proactive approach to licensing and regulation
extension to accommodate a mix of uses and restore the
lighthouse feature. The agreed Section 106 agreement We have an important role to play, including during games
requires the external development works to be completed by time, to regulate issues such as licensing, street trading, food
late summer 2012. safety, trading standards, health and safety and policing to
ensure that the influx of additional visitors does not result in
Given the site’s prominence discussions on how to best adverse impacts or poor practices by opportunistic traders.
mitigate any negative visual impacts during the Olympics In particular this is likely to involve:
have been progressed. An application for a temporary
artistic wrapping has been approved to improve the site’s  An increase in licensing applications for late night
appearance during the construction period. openings of existing venues and temporary licenses for
events such as temporary pavilions.
Another important improvement in the area will be the  Work to police unauthorised street trading in the area,
removal of the unsightly temporary structures such as the with a particular focus on counterfeit goods and
‘portacabins’ used by the British Transport Police to the west infringements of Olympic copyright.
of the King’s Cross station forecourt in time for the games.  Controlling opportunistic unauthorised food and drink
The current King’s Cross Station canopy fronting Euston sales and ensuring that health standards are not
Road detracts from the listed station building and contributes breached.
to the poor quality of the public realm around the station.  Health and safety work to ensure accommodation
Planning permission has been granted to remove this and is provided for visitors is of a suitable standard.
anticipated to be removed by 2013 preceding the  Exploring what additional policing resources will be
development of the new public square. needed and how this can be funded.

69
Local economy and public image

Much of this is best dealt with through compliance in Proposed headline actions:
advance, rather than enforcement during the games
 Help create a local business environment which
themselves and will require proactive working and provision supports sustainable economic growth and
of information to businesses and residents. A clear co- retention.
ordinated approach with all partners is in place to address
these issues in the area, particularly in the build up to the  Investigate opportunities to strengthen Chalton
Games and a targeted plan for the period before and after Street Market.
the Games (Action Plan ref 8.8).
 Support residents to access employment
The Licensing Authority has started working with the police opportunities at King’s Cross Central Development
to explore the impact of off licences on crime and antisocial including progressing discussions regarding the
skills and recruitment centre.
behaviour. It will build on this work to develop a new policy
approach to dealing with off licence applications (Action Plan
ref 1.11).  Promote King’s Cross as a creative and cultural
centre.

 Continue to promote local tourist related economy.

What we are already doing:
 Continue to work with stakeholders and partners to
 Constructions and Training centre established to
maximise benefits of Olympics to the local economy.
help boost local employment opportunities.

 Continue to prioritise improvements to the area’s

 Utilising S106 opportunities to maximise local work
image and appearance.
opportunities.

 Work proactively to address licensing and regulatory

 Working proactively with partners and stakeholders
issues to avoid adverse impacts during Olympic
to address Olympic related issues.
period.

 Working with schools to create events linked to the

 Work with the police to investigate the relationship
Olympics.
between crime / anti-social behaviour and shops
selling alcohol. 70
Development and renewal

The vision for the wider King’s Cross – St Pancras area is to Keeping local people informed
ensure that development in the area addresses identified
needs and delivers local benefits. There is clearly a lot of development happening in the area
and while information is available on much of what is
The major development and renewal happening and planned occurring, participants at the stakeholder workshops
in the area are significant drivers of change and opportunity. highlighted the importance of bringing this together in a
Alongside this both Councils have begun exploring how single place. Placeshaping provides an opportunity to collate
better use can be made of Council-owned property and information on what is happening in areas of focus like King’s
buildings. Longer term opportunities in the Camley Street Cross and we will consider how information can be collected
area are also being explored which could eventually provide and made available, including developing a dedicated web
for new housing, employment and facilities. Islington page for the King’s Cross area (Action Plan ref 1.3).
Council is preparing a planning brief for the Gifford Street
embankment site that extends alongside the London Supporting key developments that deliver local benefits
Overground train line (Action Plan ref. 10.9). In addition,
there are various smaller sites in the area that provide the The King’s Cross Central development is the key catalyst for
opportunity to build more new homes, including much investment and change in the area. However, the
needed affordable homes. challenging economic climate has had an impact on the
timing of delivery of parts of the development. The
Alongside the wide range of planned and potential development is a long term project with a 15-20 year
development in the area, some parts of the area will timescale. The importance of the development continuing
experience less change (e.g. south of Euston Road) or have and being delivered in its entirety is recognised, in order that
valued elements of their local character that require the full range of intended benefits is realised. (Action Plan ref
protection. DR6)

Camden has a key role in working constructively with the

developer and other partners (including Islington Council)
and stakeholders to help facilitate delivery by:

71
Development and renewal

proposals for improvement to Maiden Lane estate, early

 Taking a proactive development management projects include:
approach to the project as a whole and individual
proposals within it.  Exploring options to expand the Cromer Street
 Communicating the importance of the development in Mosque for existing users and the wider community
conversations with key partners and funding agencies  Exploring options for development of parts of the Agar
(for example the Homes and Communities Agency, Grove Estate with residents, to fund improvements to
and TfL). the estate and homes
 Relocating Council offices and customer facilities to  Exploring options for physical improvements with
the site, which will bring forward planned community residents of the Ossulston Street Estate
and leisure facilities and act as a catalyst for other  Developing proposals for the new Primary School
parts of the development to proceed. within King’s Cross Central
 Exploring opportunities for York Way community
The other key major development currently planned in the centre, such as delivering affordable housing and more
area is Francis Crick Institute and a range of benefits have community floorspace needed for the boxing club
been secured as part of the Section 106 legal agreement for  Building affordable housing on a Council owned site
this. We will continue to work with the developers to ensure adjacent to the Bemerton Estate, on Carnoustie Drive
delivery (Action Plan ref. 10.5).  The delivery of the new Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
School, which will provide facilities for use by the local
Making best use of Council-owned properties community, including a sports hall, fitness suite, music
practice rooms and an art studio
The Councils’ own land and buildings are being considered
through Camden’s Community Investment Programme and Work is continuing on these proposals and further projects
Islington’s review of Council-owned sites, which explores will be identified as the programme continues to review
how best to use these assets on an area-by-area basis to property, in the area and in Somers Town and Camley Street
address local priorities. In addition to the ongoing work on in particular. Further proposals may emerge that provide

72
Development and renewal

opportunities to address local needs (Action Plan ref 10.4, local forums and resident surveys. It is an issue which
11.4) by: significantly affects the quality of life of residents.

 Developing under-utilised infill sites for housing. Camden has taken an innovative approach to working with
 Addressing issues with local schools. overcrowded tenants and their households and remains
 Investing in community facilities. committed to this objective. Over the next five years the
Camden’s Housing Strategy includes a particular focus on
Camden Council had substantial landholdings in Somers supporting Council tenants with homes larger than they need
Town and there is potential to harness these to improve, to move, in order to free up larger homes for overcrowded
shape and transform the area to meet its needs including families.
housing, schools, community facilities, open spaces and
pedestrian routes. Early work is now underway to look at Islington faces a similar problem with overcrowding in
sites in the area strategically to ensure that opportunities are housing and is implementing a range of measures from its
maximised and any redevelopment of sites forms part of a corporate plan. This includes re-letting 150 under-occupied
coherent strategy for the area. properties to overcrowded households through a programme
of tenancy audits, and a programme to build new family-sized
Similarly, Camden Council’s land interests in Camley Street homes for social rent.
present opportunities, as described below.
In the King’s Cross area in Camden, a local lettings plan
Addressing housing Issues prioritises applications from existing Council and RSL tenants
for new housing on the King’s Cross Central site, particularly
There are a range of housing issues around the King’s Cross for:
area including overcrowding, an overall lack of variety and
choice and the need for investment in the Councils’ stock.  Households who are overcrowded and seeking a larger
Overcrowding is a particular issue in Somers Town and has home; and
come high on the list of resident priorities articulated through

73
Development and renewal

 Households that are under occupying existing  A variety of smaller infill housing sites coming forward
accommodation and will release a larger unit for re- through Camden’s Community Investment Programme
letting. and Islington’s review of Council-owned sites
 Possible development on Agar Grove estate if
In Islington, there is provision within the Allocations Policy to supported by consultation
agree 'Community Lettings' schemes in respect of new or  Potential redevelopment in Camley Street area in the
renovated accommodation provided as part of a longer term
regeneration scheme. Under this scheme the council may  Potential redevelopment of the Gifford Street
decide to reserve a proportion of the available properties for embankment
applicants who live in the same ward area and/or agree  Potential housing development on the existing Lyon
special lettings plans that give priority to applicants living in Street Area Housing Office
specific blocks, estates, or localities may at the planning
stage.

There are also a number of proposed or potential

developments in both boroughs which can assist both by
providing larger affordable units and by broadening the mix
of housing types and tenures in the area (Action Plan ref
11.2).

These include:

 Additional affordable units including larger family units

to be provided on Maiden Lane as part of the planned
development on the York Way frontage

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Development and renewal

Islington has a New Homes programme, which is principally

for Council new build social housing, but monies are also
being made available to support Registered Providers
schemes and conversions/extensions where these would
help increase the supply of family-sized homes and provide
value for money. Islington will also be considering
developing smaller sites in the area to build more new
homes, including much needed affordable homes.

Investing in schools

Our schools programmes have been exploring how to

address the need for investment in and expansion of schools
in the area. However, plans have been significantly affected
by recent reductions in Government funding for the Building
Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Funding for expanded capacity at South Camden Community

School was secured and works to provide an additional 2
forms of entry are now underway.

However for other schools in the area, other means of

Funds for investment in Camden Council homes are being funding are now being considered, including:
generated through our Better Homes programme which will
involve developing a proportion of homes for sale on  Consolidation of Maria Fidelis on one of its current
Camden’s CIP sites, alongside social rented and sites. The North Gower Street site is potentially
‘intermediate’ affordable homes. affected by the Government’s plans for a High Speed 2

75
Development and renewal

rail terminus at Euston and therefore any consolidation A new purpose built girls secondary school building will open
is most likely on the Phoenix Road site and possibly in November 2012 at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson site.
taking in adjoining land. We are exploring whether
neighbouring sites can be acquired and the potential The refurbishment of Vittoria Primary School was completed
for a mixed use development to provide funding for the earlier this year. Window replacement works are identified
expanded school. for Winton Primary school in Islington Council’s 2012/13
capital programme.
 Likewise, options for refurbishing or rebuilding Edith
Neville School are being explored. This could involve No expansion of Blessed Sacrament, Robert Blair or
a mixed-use development with housing on part of the Copenhagen primary Schools is envisaged at present. There
site providing funding for the rebuild. is more space available at Robert Blair should pupil numbers
rise.
Incorporating a mix of uses into the school developments
can help subsidise the school element and a more Islington Council has a capital works programme to address
comprehensive approach might mean that a wider range of basic needs of the schools. As there is insufficient funding to
benefits can be delivered, such as new and improved open address all requirements, schools are prioritised based on
spaces and public realm (Action Plan ref 10.3). condition surveys.

The Netley project west of Euston is an example of how this Exploring Camley Street opportunities
type of project can meet educational and wider community
needs, with the benefit of reinforcing local schools as hubs The Camley Street area is home to a range of light industrial
within the community. and storage businesses, with the majority of the freeholds
owned by the Council and sites subject to a variety of short
Options for both Maria Fidelis and Edith Neville schools are and long leases. These sit alongside existing residential
being considered in the context of the strategic approach to communities in Elm Village and Barker Drive. Alongside its
Somers Town mentioned above. industrial role, Camley Street is a primary access to these
residential areas.

76
Development and renewal

The area accommodates a number of successful businesses Encouraging temporary uses

and a range of employment uses, but occupied at a relatively
low density and is not well integrated with the wider area. Temporary uses can help ensure that sites earmarked for
This makes the area a significant opportunity, particularly development make a contribution to the area before
given its proximity to the Kings Cross Central site and there development commences, with potential benefits to
is likely to be pressure for changes of use and surrounding residential communities.
redevelopment of sites in the future.
In the case of Kings Cross Central, the challenges involved in
A masterplan could guide change in the area in a positive accommodating temporary uses close to parts of the site that
manner and ensure the range of Council and local objectives may be in development and ensuring safety for users is
are met (e.g. provision of affordable housing to meet local recognised. However, Camden Council will take a proactive
needs; new employment space; generating capital receipts approach with developers in the area to explore
for investment in services and facilities; and improving the opportunities, with a particular focus on providing temporary
area’s relationship with King’s Cross more widely). Local facilities that are accessible and of benefit to the community.
residents also have aspirations for improved routes and
greener streets, a broader range of uses and a less energy These could sit alongside the proposed Olympics offer which
intensive environment. These should be explored as part of is unlikely to have much of a community focus, but has
the masterplan process and community involvement in potential to bring other benefits to the area. (Action Plan ref
shaping the future of the area will be important. 11.3)

We are working to explore how to make best use of the

opportunities here and how the range of opportunities in the
area can be delivered upon (Action Plan ref 11.4). This will
include consideration of whether a masterplan is the best
mechanism to guide change and how Camden’s land
interest might align with sites owned by others (e.g. St
Pancras Hospital) as part of a wider strategy for the area.

77
Development and renewal

Ensuring high quality design Proposed headline actions:

King’s Cross includes a mix of large development sites from  Explore opportunities for redevelopment of Council-
King’s Cross Central, as well as established owned sites to deliver new homes and development
of projects that respond to local needs.
neighbourhoods, some of which are covered by conservation
areas and include important heritage assets. New
development in the area will need to comply with the  Work towards a strategy for Council-owned sites in
Somers Town to ensure local needs are addressed.
Councils’ policies (for example on conservation and
sustainability) to ensure high standards of design and
development that respect the character of surrounding areas  Explore options to guide longer term change in the
Camley Street area.
and protect heritage assets.

 Make local housing issues a priority in future

developments.

 Look at opportunities and any available funding to

What we are already doing: improve or expand schools where necessary.

 Developing work on projects in phase 1 of the

Community Investment Programme.  Work proactively to facilitate delivery of major
development and associated benefits.

 Continuing work to identify further projects that can

address local needs and priorities.  Pursue delivery of appropriate community benefits
from current and future developments.

 Working with residents to regenerate Maiden Lane

estate, providing a range of new housing.  Support and encourage appropriate temporary uses
on major development sites.

78
Implementation and monitoring

Further detail on the actions which we will work with others

to deliver are set out in the action plan that follows. The
action plan will be subject of regular monitoring to measure
progress and to ensure that the plan can adapt to meet
changing circumstances. The results of ongoing monitoring
will be published on both Council’s websites.

79
Reference documents

Camden’s Housing Strategy Islington Sustainable Transport Strategy (Local Implementation Plan) 2012

Camden Local Development Framework Core Strategy Islington Air Quality Plan

Camden Local Development Framework Development Policies Islington Site Allocations Document

Camden Site Allocations Document – Submission Draft Islington Housing Strategy

Camden Planning Guidance 2011 King’s Cross Neighbourhood Framework document

King’s Cross/St Pancras conservation area statement Bemerton Links and Spaces (BLiS) project, Bemerton Villages Management
Organisation
Regents Canal Conservation Area Appraisal

Bloomsbury Conservation Area Appraisal and Management

Strategy

London Plan

Camden’s Transport Strategy 2011

Camden’s Air Quality Action Plan

King’s Cross Opportunity Area Planning & Development Brief 2004

Islington Core Strategy (adopted February 2011)

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Action plan

Actions are arranged under the objectives from the vision Community and living - the actions under this theme
they are aimed at delivering. They are colour-coded in line address key elements of the vision including securing
with the four themes set out in the ‘delivering the vision’ benefits for local people from being located in a well
section of the Place Plan. connected area alongside major development, ensuring local
services match future needs and ensuring that the
The following timescales apply: communities in the area feel safe.

Short term - delivery by end 2012 Movement and spaces - the actions under this theme
Medium term - delivery by end 2014 address key elements of the vision including access for local
Long term - delivery beyond 2014 people to emerging opportunities, removing existing physical
Ongoing - continuing action barriers and improving links between different parts of King’s
Cross, sustainability and air quality.

Local economy and public image - the actions under this

theme address key elements of the vision including
encouraging business growth, supporting local people in
finding employment through improved skills and qualifications
and securing long-term benefits from the Olympics.

Development and renewal - the actions under this theme

address key elements of the vision including making the
quality of the environment a priority, supporting delivery of
development that will bring local benefits and exploring the
potential to secure or generate investment in housing and
schools.

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1.1 Work with Neighbourhood Forums in the area to deliver LBC: Placeshaping
(CL) common objectives LBI:
LBC: Placeshaping,
Planning (DM),
Communities and Third
1.2 Support partnership approaches for major developments to
Ongoing Sector
(CL) enable the community to engage and influence the outcome.
LBI: Planning (DM) and
Spatial Planning and
Securing real local Transport
benefits from major
development and LBC: Placeshaping,
1.3 Engage and consult local people on major development and Ongoing
ensuring that the Planning (DM), Comms
1. community is (CL) change through clear communication strategy.
LBI: Planning (DM)
informed about
development and any Keep the local community informed about developments in LBC: Placeshaping,
adverse impacts are 1.4
the area, including setting-up of dedicated King’s Cross web Ongoing Planning (DM), Comms
effectively mitigated (DR) pages for each borough. LBI: Planning (DM)
LBC: Planning (DM)
1.5 Use construction management plans to minimise impacts on
Ongoing LBI: Planning (DM) and
(CL) local people.
Environmental Health
LBC: Placeshaping
1.6 Take strategic overview of how development is organised (AP&I & Sites)
Ongoing
(CL) and sequenced to minimise disruption where possible. LBI: Environmental
Health and Streetworks
Securing real local 1.7 Consider a strategic plan (Opportunity Area Planning Short /
LBC: Placeshaping
1. benefits from major Framework) for Euston as part of Euston placeshaping medium
(CL) (AP&I & Sites)
development and approach. term

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ensuring that the LBC: Planning (DM),

community is Partnership working between Camden and Islington Placeshaping
informed about 1.8 Short term /
Councils to ensure a joined-up approach to major LBI: Planning (DM) and
development and any (CL) ongoing
development in the area. Spatial Planning and
adverse impacts are
Transport
effectively mitigated
LBC: Placeshaping
1.9 Establish dedicated King’s Cross web pages for each Short term (PP&I team)
(CL) borough and provide links to other sources of information LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport

1.10 Identify opportunities and work with developers to ensure LBC: Planning (DM)
that local communities benefit from new development, Ongoing
(DR) including the sites along Pentonville Road. LBI: Planning (DM)

Work with the police to explore the impact of off licences on LBC:
1.11
crime and anti-social behaviour, and use this work to build a Ongoing
(DR) LBI: Public Protection
new policy approach to dealing with off-licence applications.
Delivering services LBC: Economic
2.1 Work jointly to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility Medium
2. and facilities that Development
match the needs of (CL) Fund strategy for the area. term
LBI: Public Protection
existing and new
residents and LBC: Communities and
2.2 Short /
address the health Work towards better delivery of services in partnership with Third Sector
medium
inequalities that (CL) both Council’s local communities and voluntary groups.
term LBI: Public Protection
affect parts of the
area
2.3 Supporting joint work to establish the Living Centre as part Short /
LBC: Communities and
of the Francis Crick Institute in Somers Town as a hub for medium
(CL) Third Sector
the community term

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Monitor the provision of health services and facilities, and LBC:

2.4 investigate options to expand these or provide new facilities
Ongoing LBI: Public Health and
(CL) if necessary to meet the needs of this increasing and
ethnically diverse population. Property Services

Develop environments that facilitate healthy lifestyles LBC: Placeshaping,

2.5
including access to physical activity, access to healthy diets, Ongoing Planning, Transport
(CL) and that promote good mental wellbeing. LBI: Public Health

2.6 Continue to campaign for the reopening of York Road LBI: Spatial Planning
Ongoing
(MS) Station on York Way. and Transport

Improving community LBC: Community

safety and 3.1 Recruit Local Community Auditors to report key issues direct Safety
3. Short
perceptions of the (CL) to Community Safety. LBI: Community Safety
area
3.2 Promote rolling Community Safety events to allow local LBC: Community
Short
(CL) people to prioritise community safety local objectives. Safety
3.3 Dedicated Community Intervention Officers to lead multi- LBC: Community
Short
(CL) agency problem solving. Safety

3.4 Work with Argent and other providers in the area to

Short term/ LBC: Community
investigate the development of a night time economy
(CL) ongoing Safety / licensing
stakeholder network.

3.5 Investigate potential Camden Departure lounge in King’s

Medium LBC: Community
Cross Central area to provide a facility for people leaving the
(CL) term Safety
area late at night.

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Combine Camden and Islington’s community safety teams LBC: Community

3.6
to collectively address issues in King’s Cross, including for Ongoing Safety
(CL) pedestrians and cyclists. LBI: Community Safety
LBC: Placeshaping
3.7 Work with British Waterways and other relevant parties to Short term /
address anti-social issues along the canal. ongoing LBI: Spatial Planning
(CL)
and Transport
Delivering improved 4.1 Explore potential improvements to Goods Way tunnel as a
Short term / LBC: Placeshaping,
4. routes between walking and cycling route between King’s Cross Central and
(MS) ongoing Transport Strategy
different parts of the residential areas to the west.
area that are safer
and easier to use for 4.2 Investigate opportunities to improve permeability through
Short term /
pedestrians and Somers Town including east-west routes between King’s LBC: Placeshaping
(MS) ongoing
cyclists Cross - St Pancras and Euston.

Improve signage in the area for pedestrians and cyclists

including: LBC: Transport
4.3  extension of Legible London north of Euston Road Short / Strategy
(MS)  extension of Islington’s pedestrian wayfinding system medium LBI: Spatial Planning
east of York Way and Transport
 securing appropriate signage within and around stations
LBC: Transport
4.4 Work with station operators and developers to secure Strategy
Ongoing
(MS) appropriate signage within and around the stations LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
4.5 Deliver funded improvements along Brill Place/Phoenix Rd. Medium LBC: Transport
(MS) term Strategy

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4.6 Support delivery of funded improvements to pedestrian Short term LBC: Transport
(MS) crossings around the stations with TfL. Strategy
LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport

4.7 Work with TfL and lobby for improvements to Euston Rd

Medium LBC: Transport
crossings (particularly at Pancras Road, Midland Rd,
(MS) term Strategy
Chalton St etc).
Work with TfL to investigate potential improvements to the LBC: Transport
4.8 gyratory to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists Medium Strategy
(MS) and use influence to lobby for implementation of appropriate term LBI: Spatial Planning
measures. and Transport

Consider opportunities to improve permeability through Short term /

4.9 (MS) LBC: Placeshaping
Somers Town as part of strategic approach to the area. ongoing

4.10 Explore options for Maiden Lane bridge link as part of Medium LBC: Transport
(MS) strategic work looking at Camley St opportunities. term Strategy, Placeshaping
4.11 Work with TfL on opportunities to extend bus routes from Medium LBC: Transport
(MS) King’s Cross Central northwards to Maiden Lane to improve term Strategy
transport routes and connections for residents. LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
4.12 Undertake funded feasibility study on Maiden Lane station Short term LBC: Transport
(MS) re-opening. Strategy
4.13 Identify required improvements to pedestrian and cycle links Short term LBC: Placeshaping
(MS) to the Camley Street area and infrastructure required as part
of planned strategy for this area.

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4.14 Make improvements to key routes a key requirement in any Medium

LBC: Placeshaping
(DR) future strategy for the Camley Street area. term

LBC: Transport
4.15 Work with developers to communicate changes to routes Short term / Strategy (with Argent)
(MS) around King’s Cross during construction. ongoing
LBI: Streetworks
LBC; Transport
Deliver funded measures to improve cycle permeability Strategy
4.16
south of Euston Road and Pentonville Road and investigate Short term
(MS) LBI: Traffic &
feasibility of additional measures.
Engineering
Investigate opportunities to improve Copenhagen Street, Long term LBI: Traffic &
4.17 such as proposals to improve traffic safety and conditions Engineering
(MS) for pedestrians and cyclists, including for the open space at
the western end of Copenhagen Street, facing York Way. .
Develop proposals for Caledonian Road, to improve traffic Long term LBI: Traffic &
4.18 safety and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Engineering
(MS)

Implement proposals to improve pedestrian crossings at the Medium LBC: Environment and
4.19 Wharfdale Road / York Way junction. term Transport
(MS)

Investigate improvements to routes leading into King’s Long term LBC: Environment and
Cross Central, including to Caledonian Road and Barnsbury Transport
4.20 Station.
(MS) LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport, Traffic
& Engineering

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Ref

Implement and secure funding for the 20 mph speed limit on Medium LBI: Traffic &
4.21 all borough roads throughout King’s Cross in Islington and term Engineering
(MS) explore similar measures in Camden.

Investigate feasibility of Lorry ban on Copenhagen Street Medium LBI: Traffic &
4.22 term Engineering
(MS)

Work with the local community to develop options to Ongoing LBI: Housing
4.23 improve routes through the Bemerton Estate, including quick
(MS) wins (such as pedestrian signage through the estate) and
larger scale improvements.
Explore opportunities to improve connections in and around Ongoing LBC: Placeshaping,
King’s Cross Central for public transport services, Transport Strategy
4.24 Metropolitan Walks, Green Chains and those London Cycle
(MS) LBI: Spatial Planning
Network routes. and Transport, Traffic
& Engineering
Work with TfL to investigate what changes can be made to Medium LBC: Environment and
4.25 the one-way traffic system in King’s Cross. term Transport
(MS) LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
Identify locations and secure funding for on-street cycle Short term LBC: Transport Policy
4.26 parking in the area. LBI: Spatial Planning
(MS) and Transport, Traffic
and Engineering
Lobby Transport for London to expand cycle hire facilities in Short term LBC: Transport Policy
4.27 the King’s Cross area. LBI: Spatial Planning
(MS)
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Ref

and Transport
Identify opportunities for improved signage in the area and Short term LBC: Transport Policy
4.28 secure funding to expand Camden and Islington’s
(MS) LBI: Spatial Planning
wayfinding systems. and Transport
4.29 Investigate the feasibility of providing connections through LBI: Spatial Planning
(MS) the Delhi-Outram Estate. and Transport
Continuing to Seek funds for improved public realm at northern end of Medium LBC: Placeshaping /
5. 5.1 (MS)
improve the York Way and under rail bridges. term Transport Strategy
appearance of the
area and the quality LBC: Transport
Support the delivery of the new Square (north of the new
of the public realm 5.2 (MS) Short term Strategy, Planning (DM
western concourse) by summer 2012.
& Sites
LBC: Transport
Support removal of King’s Cross station canopy and delivery
5.3 (MS) Short term Strategy, Planning (DM
of new Kings Cross square in 2013.
& Sites)
LBC: CIP -
Explore all opportunities, including those arising from council Placeshaping,
programmes such as Camden’s CIP and Islington’s property Medium Property, Housing,
5.4 (MS) reviews to explore all opportunities to address the need to term / Parks & Open Spaces
expand and enhance the provision of parks and public open ongoing
spaces in conjunction with local communities. LBI: Property Services
& Greenspace
LBC: Transport
Work with TfL and lobby for improvements to the pedestrian Strategy
5.5 (MS) Ongoing
environment on Euston Road and Pentonville Road. LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport

5.6 (MS) Work with developers, other highway authorities, British Medium LBC: Transport
Waterways, rail operators and others to promote and secure
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Ref

improvements along York Way, northwards to and including term Strategy, Placeshaping
the Agar Grove junction. LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
Investigate options to improve public open spaces in the Ongoing LBC: Parks and Open
5.7 (MS) area to meet the needs of the residential community, many Spaces, Placeshaping
who do not have a private garden. LBI: Greenspace
LBC: Parks and Open
Spaces, Placeshaping
Identify and develop proposals to improve green spaces
5.8 (MS) LBI: Greenspace,
throughout the area.
Spatial Planning and
Transport
Work with developers and partners to promote and secure
improvements along the canal towpath, particularly where it LBC: Transport
passes under bridges and look at opportunities for new Medium Strategy, Placeshaping
5.9 (MS)
connections over the canal, improvements to views and the term LBI: Spatial Planning
possible introduction of a new walkway on the south side of and Transport
the canal.
Joint work to look at York Way and the Triangle site LBC: Transport
together, to see what improvements can be made Strategy
5.10 Medium
considering York Way’s function as a distributor road as well
(MS) term LBI: Spatial Planning
as the need to provide streetscape improvements. This may
be through a detailed study of the area. and Transport

Identify and secure funding for improvements to shop fronts Medium LBC: Placeshaping,
to improve the appearance and attractiveness of the area. term Economic
5.11 Development
(MS)
LBI: Design and
Conservation

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Ref

Identify and secure funding for opportunities to green the LBC: TBC
5.12 street environment.
(MS) LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
6.1 Support continued delivery of construction based Ongoing LBC: Economic
(EP) apprenticeship and training opportunities at the King’s Cross Development
Construction Skills Centre and support graduates to secure LBI: Regeneration
employment at King’s Cross Central or at other construction
projects in the borough and London.

6.2 Work with developer Argent to develop the business plan for Short term LBC: Economic
(EP) the King’s Cross Skills and Recruitment centre to enable Development
operations to start in 2012/13. The recruitment centre will LBI: Regeneration
Ensuring local people support local residents to access employment opportunities
have the skills and in final business occupiers of King’s Cross Central.
6. qualifications to
access existing and
new job opportunities 6.3 Support the contractors appointed to deliver the Medium LBC: Economic
(EP) government’s new welfare to work policies through term / Development
partnership working – includes lobbying re. local needs and ongoing LBI: Regeneration
opportunities and providing intelligence on the labour
market.
6.4 Develop apprenticeship opportunities and recruit local Ongoing LBC: Economic
(EP) people to access opportunities in King’s Cross and Development
elsewhere in both boroughs. (apprenticeships)
LBI: Regeneration

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6.5 Explore opportunities to secure a genuine increase in jobs in Ongoing LBC: Economic
(EP) the local economy, by improving access to jobs for local Development
residents and removing barriers to work particularly for LBI: Regeneration
young and unemployed people, and other equality groups.
6.6 Explore construction and occupation employment Ongoing LBC: TBC
(EP) opportunities through programmes such as school liaison, LBI: Regeneration and
curriculum development, and securing additional funding for Education
Ensuring local people initiatives to raise education achievement.
have the skills and
6. qualifications to 6.7 Providing or assisting with customised training focused on Ongoing LBC: TBC
access existing and (EP) achieving qualifications and delivering sustainable job LBI: Regeneration and
new job opportunities opportunities, to prepare residents for employment in the Education
business/finance, transport and retail/hospitality sectors, and
particularly in “intermediate occupations” such as clerical,
secretarial, sales, catering and personal services;
6.8 Work with developers to ensure that local communities are Ongoing LBC: TBC
(EP) aware and are able to access education and training LBI: Regeneration and
benefits generated from the King’s Cross Central Education
development.
Supporting the local Maintain and develop relationships with key business LBC: Economic
economy, helping 7.1 organisations in the borough, including with the emerging Development
Short term /
7. local businesses to King’s Cross Business Partnership to explore business
(EP) ongoing LBI: Employability and
thrive and grow and sector opportunities linked to the King’s Cross Central
promoting the area development. Business
as a cultural and
LBC: Economic
creative hub
7.2 Signpost local businesses and business organisations to Development
Ongoing
(EP) national and regional business growth support. LBI: Employability and
Business

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Ref

7.3 Short / LBC: Economic

Explore opportunities with stakeholders to strengthen
medium Development,
(EP) Chalton Street market.
term Transport Strategy
7.4 Promote the arrival of University of the Arts with cultural
Short term LBC: Arts & Tourism
(EP) event.
Joined up working with University of Arts departments to LBC: Arts & Tourism
7.5
provide clear processes for co-ordinated cultural Ongoing LBI: Arts and Creative
(EP) programme. Development
Continue joint working with Argent regarding ‘Public Art’ LBC: Arts & Tourism
7.6
strategy to maximise opportunities for wider King’s cross Ongoing LBI: Arts and Creative
(EP) area. Development
Work to influence key partners in promoting King’s Cross as LBI: Arts & Tourism
7.7 key part of cultural chain including development of canal
Ongoing LBI: Arts and Creative
(EP) leisure walk to link Bloomsbury, Camden Town, King’s
Cross and Angel. Development

Partnership working between Camden and Islington LBI: Arts & Tourism
7.8
Councils and their partners to ensure a joined-up approach Ongoing LBI: Arts and Creative
(EP) to cultural events in King’s Cross. Development

7.9 Provide support to existing businesses (such as along LBC:

Caledonian Road) to help minimise impacts from the level of Ongoing
(EP) retail provided at King’s Cross Central. LBI: Public Protection

Securing long term Work with range of stakeholders on ticketing arrangements LBC: Transport
8.1
8. benefits for the area to minimise impact of additional visitors on transport routes Short term Strategy
from the Olympics (MS) during Olympics. LBI: Public Protection

8.2 Explore opportunities to absorb pressures during Olympics Short term LBC: Placeshaping,
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Ref

(MS) such as proposed temporary pavilions on King’s Cross Olympic Manager,

Central site and Olympics ‘live site’. Transport Strategy
LBI: Public Protection
LBC: Olympics
Manager /
8.3 Continue to lobby GLA/LOCOG etc for additional funding for
Short term Placeshaping
(EP) improvements (e.g. shopfronts).
LBI: Design and
Conservation
LBC: Olympics
8.4 Maximise opportunities arising from Olympic ‘look and feel Manager, Arts &
Short term Tourism
(EP) initiatives’ to present positive image of area.
LBI: Public Protection
LBC: Olympics
8.5 Explore opportunities for appropriate sponsorship of Manager, Arts &
Short term Tourism
(EP) buildings etc to generate funding.
LBI: Public Protection
8.6 Promote the local visitor offer and encourage visitors to Short / LBC: Arts & Culture,
(EP) spend more time and money in the area. ongoing Economic
Development
LBI: Public Protection
8.7 Work towards securing longer term benefits from the 2012 Ongoing Arts & Culture,
(EP) Games. Economic
Development
LBI: Public Protection
8.8 Provide information to businesses and residents regarding Short LBC: Economic
(EP) requirements and potential impacts of Olympics. Development,

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Ref

Regulatory Services
LBI: Public Protection
LBC: Placeshaping and
9.1 Work with relevant stakeholders including British Waterways Transport Strategy
and Argent to explore options to improve access to the Ongoing
(MS) Canal, protecting the positive aspects of its character. LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
LBC: Transport
9.2 Seek opportunities to promote the canal as an alternative Ongoing / Strategy
route between Angel and Camden Town (via King’s Cross), medium
(MS) including legible London. term LBI: Spatial Planning
and Transport
LBC: Parks & Open
Increase work with voluntary groups and partners to improve Medium Spaces
Ensuring 9.3
sustainability and the parks and open spaces and identify opportunities to green term / LBI: Greenspace
(MS) the environment. ongoing
quality of the Spatial Planning and
9.
environment, Transport
particularly air
quality, are a priority LBC: Parks & Open
Explore innovative approaches to providing new open Spaces, Planning (DM)
9.4
spaces such as accessible green roofs / roof top areas in Ongoing LBI: Greenspace and
(MS) planning approvals. Spatial Planning and
Transport
9.5 Continue to work holistically and with partners to improve air Ongoing LBC: Sustainability
(MS) quality and noise. LBI: Environmental
Health, Sustainability
9.6 Investigate opportunities to improve green trails through the Ongoing LBC: Sustainability
(MS) area to link habitats and green spaces, and improve these LBI: Sustainability
habitats (such as along the canal).

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9.7 Regularly monitor both Camden and Islington’s Air Quality Ongoing LBC: Sustainability
(MS) Plans and identify where improvements can be made to the LBI: Environmental
document to meet targets. Health, Sustainability
10.1 Continue work on projects identified in Camden’s CIP and Medium CIP – (Property &
(DR) Islington’s property reviews to consult with local people and term/ HASC regen)
refine options. ongoing LBI: Property Services
10.2 Deliver of Maiden Lane improvements in line with local Medium LBC: HASC regen
(DR) consultation. term
10.3 Deliver improvements to local schools by considering more Long term LBC: CSF
(DR) efficient use of the Council’s property and the potential for a LBI: Education and
Supporting beneficial
mix of uses to fund proposals. Property Services
development and
securing investment 10.4 Work towards a strategy for Council-owned sites in Somers Short / LBC: Placeshaping,
10.
in local schools, Town to address local needs. Medium Property Services,
housing and (DR)
term HASC, Transport
community facilities Policy
10.5 Work proactively to facilitate delivery of major development Ongoing LBC: Planning (DM),
(CL) and associated benefits through a proactive approach to Placeshaping,
development management and highlighting the importance Transport Strategy,
in discussions with funding agencies (HCA, GLA, TfL etc). HASC etc
LBI: Planning (DM),
Spatial Planning and
Transport

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LBC: Placeshaping,
Planning (DM),
Pursue delivery of appropriate community benefits from Communities &Third
10.6
current and future developments, including King’s Cross Ongoing sector
(CL) Central and the Francis Crick Institute. LBI: Planning (DM),
Spatial Planning and
Transport

Explore opportunities to share leisure, retail and cultural LBC: Placeshaping,

10.7
facilities to facilitate economic and social integration with a Ongoing Property Services
Supporting beneficial (CL) wider area. LBI: Property Services
development and
securing investment
10. Explore opportunities for the temporary use of vacant
in local schools, 10.8 LBC: Property Services
housing and buildings for employment and training premises, brokerage Ongoing
(DR) services or other business support. LBI: Property Services
community facilities
Work with developers and the local community to progress Ongoing LBI: Planning (DM)
10.9 development proposals for the Gifford Street embankment
(DR) site.

Monitor existing primary and secondary school facilities in Ongoing LBC: CSF
10.10 the surrounding area to check that they accommodate the LBI Education
increasing number of school children. Investigate options
(CL) where necessary to expand or provide new facilities to meet
the needs of the community.
Exploring further LBC: CIP – (Property
11.1 Identify additional opportunities to develop Council-owned Medium
11. opportunities for Services & HASC)
(DR) sites to deliver new homes and respond to local need. term
development to LBI: Property Services

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address local needs LBC: Planning, CIP –

such as housing, 11.2 Recognise the local housing priorities such as lack of choice (Property Services &
schools, employment and overcrowding in future projects and in negotiations with Ongoing HASC)
(DR) private developers.
and community
LBI: Housing
facilities and
employment LBC: Placeshaping,
Planning (DM),
Communities &Third
11.3 Support and encourage appropriate temporary uses on
Ongoing sector
(DR) major development sites before development commences.
LBI: Planning (DM),
Spatial Planning and
Transport
11.4 Explore the potential for longer term change in the Camley Medium LBC: Placeshaping,
(DR) Street area to deliver benefits such as new routes and term Property Services
connections, new homes, community facilities and
employment opportunities.
11.5 Continue to work closely with land-owners and developers, Ongoing LBC: Economic
(EP) and to implement planning policy to try and secure new Development,
flexible space. Planning, Placeshaping
LBI: Planning (DM)
11.6 Review the provision of community facilities in the area for Ongoing LBC: Placeshaping
(DR) members of the community, and identify what improvements LBI: Regeneration,
need to be made. Property Services

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