The idea
Local residents are very concerned with the Church of England plans to demolish a church to make way for a housing development and a new church.
A local petition to halt these plans has attracted close to 1,000 (!) signatures (on- and offline).
We now want to present an alternative community-friend development proposal that saves the church for many years to come. A positive plan for the community to rally behind.
With expert advise we have worked out a plan, but delivering this can't be realised at no cost.
1. The demolition is not needed, the building is essentially fine and fit-for-purpose.
2. This is a very rare (one of 37 only) 1970s church.
3. Significant open space and several mature and protected trees will disappear.
4. The proposed seven storey apartment tower will irreversibly, and for the worse, change the local area.
5. And very disappointingly, this church-led housing development contains zero (0!) social housing. In one of the poorest areas in the UK.
What we'll deliver
- Present a benefit analysis of our plan thats funds necessary back maintenance and running cost.
- Create and present a detailed design plan for redevelopment of (only) the vicarage adjacent to the church
Why it's a great idea
In Tufnell Park, Islington, there is a healthy community of people that care for the neighbourhood that they share.
The church redevelopment plans are alien in this respect and close to 1,000 local residents have signed the petition asking to halt these demolition plans. But we are a community that wants to help the church and rather than simply object to their plans, we want to present a postive plan; a plan that the community can rally behind. A plan that realises the church's goal to be able to continue its work as a place of worship and a provider of community services, but without demolition and a large-scale housing development.
This community is united and cares for the St George and All Saints church and is willing to show their support by presenting a positive alternative.
Steps to get it done
- If the project is funded, by mid-January we will present to community, church and press our viable alternative
- We have engaged a highly respected architect willing to do this complex work, for a fraction of the normal cost.
- We have on our team sympathetic planning experts and architects that understand the local situation.
The work doesn't stop at simply presenting an alternative plan, but it will provide a new platform for discussion with the church, whereas currently no platform for discussion exists. The community wants this church and the community facility that it is to work. We have within our group several local planning experts, architects and other active persons that can help the church realise these plans.
Your support, however small it may be, to realise this alternative development plan that will save the church and is community friendly will help us achieve a major milestone. It will be irresistible to ignore and we will be able to move from a voice of protest to a partner that helps save the church. A community effort.
