Profit-driven developers put neglected heritage in danger

Published: 7 May, 2010

THE action to stop developers from stuffing the Beaux Arts Building with flats and offices is to be commended (Style guru joins Beaux Arts fight, April 30).
For too long, Holloway’s architectural heritage has been neglected. Bordering conservation areas and eclipsed by Islington’s famous Georgian terraces, the area is in danger of having its unique architectural heritage destroyed, bit by bit, as developers move in, bent on profit. Northview estate, also in Holloway, is likewise threatened with a hideous overdevelopment.
We’ve applied to the council for local listing – our campaign website is at www.northview.org.uk.
The council’s strategy for the area says: “The town centre has a large number of architecturally and historically interesting buildings with an eclectic variety of buildings and styles, creating a lot of visual interest generally, with a consistent and human scale.”
Let’s hope that, now that the election is over, the council acts to preserve Holloway’s architectural gems – and that it makes its move before the developers do.
CHRISTY LAWRENCE
Secretary, Northview Residents’ Association