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Crossrail 2: Iconic Islington building saved from bulldozers
Saved: The Co-op building will no longer be destroyed - Credit: Archant
New plans ‘don’t go far enough’ says councillor
One of Islington’s most famous structures has been saved from the bulldozers, it was revealed today.
The Grade II listed Co-op building, on the corner of Islington High Street and Pentonville Road, will no longer be demolished to make way for Crossrail 2 - a £12billion underground railway.
Another listed building, currently occupied by Starbucks, two doors down has also been protected, but the rest of the block is still “of surface interest” to Transport for London (TfL).
The changes to the route, which has now been shifted south as it passes through Islington, follow a Government consultation
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But Cllr Martin Klute, an architect who represents St Peter’s Ward, which covers the area, says the move isn’t enough.
He said: “It’s a step in the right direction, but they are on the wrong side of the street altogether, they should be looking at the RBS building.
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“It’s still damaging the history and heritage of the borough, rather than providing regeneration.”
Michele Dix, TfL’s managing director for Crossrail 2, said: “The confirmed safeguarding marks a vital step forward in progressing Crossrail 2 which is significant in providing more rail capacity to support growth in London for the future, in particular up to 200,000 new homes.
“We’ll continue developing the scheme reflecting comments received to date with a public consultation later this year.
“We are working hard to deliver Crossrail 2 by 2030.”
Patrick McLoughlin, transport secretary, said: “These updated plans to safeguard the route will ensure that land most vital for its construction is protected so that, if constructed, the line can go to areas that will give the maximum benefits and value for money.”
