The struggle for local green spaces throughout the capital is very apparent. It’s something that is regularly mentioned by the Mayor of London as well as the London Assembly’s Environment Committee. Could a new proposed public park in the sky, known as the Camden Highline, finally provide some respite for residents and visitors in north London?
Adam Richards Architects certainly think so, and the proposed project is one that has already got people talking. It promises to become a major attraction for the area, although there are still several potential hurdles to overcome along the road to completion.
Taking Inspiration from The Big Apple
The idea of a Camden Highline is one that is heavily influenced by the New York High Line in NYC. The proposal for a new project in London is to convert an existing and unused overground trainline (that runs from Camden to Kings Cross) into a green area for the public to use freely as they please. It is a development that aims to rival the New York counterpart as the best of its kind on the planet. In fact, even John Alschuler of the New York High Line has stated that the infrastructure has the potential to be a “great new space”.
As a park in the sky that sits 26ft above the ground, it is being described as a “green artery” that will provide much-needed relief for the area. The 1,300-yard line would connect the thriving Camden Market district to the redeveloped Kings Cross area to become a tourist attraction in itself, breathing new life into what is currently dead space that hasn’t been used since the old North London Line closed over three decades ago.
The Camden Highline would add much-needed natural plant life to help improve the air quality in the area while also supporting up to 10,000 residents who would live within a few minutes of the new development. This can be viewed as a significant step in the bid to improve life quality while promoting improved health and happiness in the area, even through direct visits or rewards for the local surroundings.
Another Step Towards Regenerating the Area
Kings Cross has seen major redevelopments in recent years with the Google offices and street food markets showcasing the growing attraction of the area. The proposed ‘park in the sky’ would further support the transformation as one of the city’s major recreation hotspots. Similar ideas have been considered in the recent past throughout other parts of the city, and the designer has alluded to the idea of breathing life back into a neglected piece of infrastructure.
The proposed path will start from the disused North London Line just above the Kentish Town Road before heading east to Camden Road station and over Camley Street towards York Way. The route itself promises to become a useful link for pedestrians moving between the two areas while also creating an artistic tourist attraction.
Richards also points to the increased need for greenery in the area, due to the lack of gardens and growing population, as further evidence as to why the project needs to happen. He states: “The Highline can simultaneously be an amenity for nearby residents, a transport link for pedestrians, and a tourist destination. As London becomes more populated, and as rising property values mean that fewer people have access to gardens, parks are becoming ever more appreciated.”
The Financial Conundrum
Despite the fact that studies show every £1 invested in parks brings £27 of value to residents, the park in the sky project has faced problems in relation to funding. The developers have already received funding to improve the Camden Gardens park that sits beneath a part of the route.
The project has received public backing from Sadiq Khan, who labelled the idea “a great example of a local community taking an idea and garnering support in order to make it a reality”, as well as over 300 backers. Nonetheless, fundraising campaigns have struggled to gain momentum, although the tally is moving in the right direction. In a bid to promote a sustainable project and stay true to the values of the intended usage, the developers pledge to keep the Camden Highline free to use for everyone and will not turn to paid entrances in order to make it work.
Money has been a major issue for past projects throughout the capital, most notably the abandoned Garden Bridge across the Thames. However, the fact is that the Camden Highline would cost less money to maintain than the existing infrastructure in its current condition. With the feasibility processes already completed, gaining planning permission should be relatively easy. If the funding can be gained too, the green light should be given on the green artery of north London.
Environmentally Friendly Redevelopment
Richards and the team behind the proposed park in the sky place heavy focus on “improving rather than replacing” by using their vision for turning dead space into limitless potential. The environmentally conscious approach to redevelopment in the area is another factor that is loved by many backers, from residents and consumers to local businesses and authorities.
Walking tours have already taken place over the last year to attract further financial backing while also making people aware of the route as well as the possibilities it offers in terms of bringing the communities of Holborn, Camden, and St Pancras closer together. The project is already working with STEAM schools, community groups, and various professionals to support young people by allowing them to play a key role in the digital and scientific economy of the future.
From a humanitarian perspective as well as one of using materials and existing infrastructure instead of creating waste, the Camden Highline project stands out as one for the local communities to get behind. Locals, other Londoners, and tourists can all benefit from the proposed project, while also taking inspiration in the process.
Should the park in the sky acquire the chance to achieve what it sets out to, it could become one of the most crucial developments in the area’s recent history.
Image courtesy Studio Weave
