Real estate values rule again as Roundhouse faces closure

Published: 23 December, 2010

• LOOKS like we’re back to square one, with real estate values more important than community livelihood and wellbeing.   

As a result of the oil boom in the 1970s, an influx of money sent property prices soaring in Islington. Suddenly, folk who had been used to playing on street corners and leaning on the railings and having a “larf” and a chat became unwanted and undesirable as neighbours. 

At the time a street petition was organised to ask the police to “move them on somehow to somewhere else”. This led to meetings and more petitions to the local Labour council to find a better way of managing the situation than wasting taxpayers’ money on policing and correction facilities. One result was the founding of Highbury Roundhouse in 1974.   

Not long after that the idea that the playground and swimming pool at Highbury Fields could be improved for children was hotly contested by newcomers, worried that it might lead to a drop in property prices. Luckily, in those days we managed to hold the line. 

The playground survives, and enhances the area if anything, and for decades now Highbury Roundhouse has been a vital resource and support for the community. 

Now, however, with bankers’ debts to pay (of course, the bankers, bond dealers, brokers and barristers all moved in as the City grew after deregulation) by cutting public spending and filling large holes in council coffers, the price of real estate being what it is, it looks like the time has come again for the community to pay the price.  

Closing Highbury Roundhouse and selling the land would be a short-sighted shame. 

So now there’s another petition to sign at www.savehighburyroundhouse.co.uk.

SANDRA HODGSON 
Founding member and supporter
Thornhill Crescent, N1