A new park on the Regent’s Canal is the latest chapter in the £170million makeover of the Packington Estate.

Islington Gazette: Redevelopment: The community centre was built as part of the estate regeneration in 2012. Pictured, the latest chapter of the �170m facelift saw a new park opened earlier this month. Picture: HydeRedevelopment: The community centre was built as part of the estate regeneration in 2012. Pictured, the latest chapter of the �170m facelift saw a new park opened earlier this month. Picture: Hyde (Image: The Imageworks)

Canalside Square, whose centrepiece is a nature-themed mosaic designed by Islington artist Tessa Hunkin, was formally opened on Friday last week by council environment chief Cllr Claudia Webbe.

“This is a fantastic new space for local families and communities, providing them an excellent footway to the canal,” she said.

“We look forward to it becoming as loved and well used as Islington’s other open spaces.”

The park is a collaboration between the town hall, housing association Hyde Housing, and development firms Rydon and Atkins.

Islington Gazette: Canalside Square includes a mosaic by Islington artist Tessa Hunkin. Picture: HydeCanalside Square includes a mosaic by Islington artist Tessa Hunkin. Picture: Hyde (Image: The Imageworks)

The estate project began in 2007 following the transfer of all its council housing to Hyde. Nearly 800 homes have been built there to replace the 538 originally on the site, including nearly 500 at “below market cost”.