Residents asked their opinion on Cally clock tower renovation
The 7-storey clock tower offers magnificent views over London - Credit: Archant
An audacious plan to renovate and reopen an historic clock tower has been put to the public for their opinions.
The grade II* listed Caledonian clock tower, just off Market Road, Holloway, received a £126,000 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year to finance the scheme and save the building.
Sylvia Tunstall, Chair Caledonian Park Friends Group said: “The proposals for a visitor centre and clock tower improvements will involve big changes to Caledonian Park so it is really important as many people as possible have their say on the changes by joining in the consultation.”
Up to 4,000 visitors are expected to climb the clock tower each year with even more passing through the visitor centre.
It was first opened 159 years ago in the 18 acre Caledonian park as the centrepiece of the former Metropolitan Cattle Market and was even built to withstand a bull stampede.
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “Residents, enthusiasts and fellow councillors have shared a wish to do this for the longest time so I’m really pleased we are moving closer to the day when Cally Clock Tower will take its rightful place in London’s rediscovered history and heritage.
“We want to create a vibrant attraction for the borough with a visitor centre that will stimulate, educate and inform both young and old.
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“In doing so, we’ll make the most of our unique heritage asset to help tell the story of the borough - and provide a new day out with unique views of the borough and capital’s skyline.”
The seven storey tower offers panoramic views of the city and,
If planning is approved following this public consultation and listed building consent appications can be obtained, it is expected that works will start in the spring of 2016.
To view the proposals, or complete the online questionnaire, visit islington.gov.uk/callyclocktower.
Alternatively, consultation packs and questionnaires can be picked up from the Drovers Centre on North Road or the John Barnes Library on Camden Road.
The closing date for the return of the questionnaires is October 5.
