Follow this project
The idea
Imagine a place where you can sit, away from the busy polluted thoroughfare, under the trees, look at the flowers, have a coffee and chat to friends.
The Green Gateway project, outlined in the Kentish Town Neighbourhood Plan endorsed by referendum, aims to rejuvenate the entrances of four roads (Caversham, Islip, Patshull and Gaisford) leading into Kentish Town Road.
Stage 1 of the pilot project is at the Caversham Road entrance with benches and tree pit planting. Stage 2, set for the autumn, entails more seating, tree planting and cycle parking.
The benches, reflecting Kentish Town railway aesthetic and already proven in Mornington Crescent, have been approved by the Council.
High streets are having to change and reinvent themselves. Help Kentish Town High Street embrace the change by backing the Green Gateway pilot.
What we'll deliver
- Colourful planting under two existing London Plane trees at the junction of Caversham Road and Kentish Town Road, NW5.
- Vandal proof solid recycled hardwood benches with an ‘industrial/railway’ look to seat up to 20 people.
- A place to stop, rest and relax - rather than just walk through.
- A gateway to Phase 2 with more seating, planting and cycle racks
Why it's a great idea
Camden's vision ‘is for high streets to be the heart of their communities ... family-friendly, environmentally responsible, diverse, accessible and vibrant places.
This pilot is a fantastic way to boost interaction with the high street. Current user groups and residents will be given new ways to experience the space and to foster community relationships, and visitors will have a reason to stay longer in an improved and engaging environment.
This project is the first step toward re-imagining Kentish Town Road and protecting its positioning as the dynamic heart of our neighbourhood. By creating more green space, informal places to sit and meet, road space for pedestrians and community activity, we are beginning to repurpose the high street identity and brand.
We are building a strong foundation for an improved 15-minute city, with diversified use, more accessibility, a reason for people to stay and adopt the space in a variety of ways while adding social value for the community.
Steps to get it done
- Project approval
- Order, supply and installation of benches
- Planting
Caversham is a pilot for broader ambitions for Pocket Parks and part new ‘Town Squares’ (as described in Neighbourhood Plan).
The project is the first step toward re-imagining Kentish Town Road and protecting its positioning as the dynamic heart of our neighbourhood, and stretch time spent on the high street by offering green enjoyable spaces for seating to make it more welcoming to pedestrians /cyclists and respite from highly polluted traffic thoroughfare and busy high street.
This in turn supports footfall for businesses and community cohesion and fosters community relationships and interactions.
This vibrant new public realm environment may attract new audiences and tourists.
