Work to finally start on ‘exciting’ twin towers of Finsbury Park

City North

by Jon Dean Friday, March 1, 2013
6:53 PM

Work on the biggest development in Finsbury Park for a generation will begin in the next few weeks.

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City North, two 21-storey towers containing more than 300 flats plus shops, restaurants and offices, will transform the area’s skyline forever when completed in 2016.

The massive scheme – the largest in Islington since the Emirates Stadium – hopes to include tree-lined piazzas and a health club.

It will be spread over 9,000 square metres of land between Fonthill Road, Seven Sisters Road, Wells Terrace and Goodwin Street in a trading estate just behind the station.

The whole thing is the brainchild of Jack Morris, chairman of the firm that transformed a disused agricultural hall in Upper Street into the Business Design Centre in 1986.

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An Islington Council planning committee gave plans the nod back in 2010 – with few objections from residents – providing work started within three years, a time limit that is nearly up.

Mr Morris said the group wants to create something people in the area could be proud of.

He added: “It will bring much-needed regeneration to the area as well as new homes, business investment, employment and economic growth to what will become one of London’s most exciting and vibrant areas.”

Of the 308 new properties, 47 will be affordable homes. The rest are expected to sell for between £275,000 and £1,000,000.

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Jeffrey Adams, CEO of joint developer United House, said the development will bring new focus to Finsbury Park.”

Cllr Phil Kelly, who represents Finsbury Park ward, said: “It’s very positive and will contribute to the changing face of Finsbury Park, along with other developments like the Park Theatre.

“It will also help the Fonthill Road fashion district to expand.

“I’m sorry it’s took three years to get going and I would have liked more affordable housing, but it’s great that work is about to start.

“It will help transform people’s perception of the area – although, as I’ve always said, Finsbury Park is only two and three quarter hours from Paris.”