Greening of the Corner

Published: 11 February, 2011

• IT is good to hear that money has been found for improvements to the layout at Highbury Corner (Pedestrians ‘reclaim’ roundabout from gridlocked motorists, January 28). 

I note that the previous council administration carried out a “full consultation” about the proposal which, it is planned, will link the central traffic island and its collection of exotic trees to Compton Terrace Gardens to the south. So it is probably too late to put forward any alternative suggestions for consideration, but since the works are still likely to be two years off I will do so.

It seems to me that there could be a case for linking the traffic island not to the south, where Compton Terrace Gardens are at a considerably higher level, up a flight of steps, and narrower, but to the green space around Dixon Clark Court to the east, which is at the same level and more similar in character.  

A calm, paved pedestrian space could then be created in front of the remaining shops at the top of Canonbury Road, allowing, for example, the Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar to have some outside tables and space for people to congregate before and after performances. A continuous green space of some size would be created.

JAMES DUNNETT
James Dunnett Architects
Barnsbury Road, N1