Market Estate that rose again from rubble honours its champion Jim Veal with plaque

Published: 09 July, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

HE PUT his life into ensuring his neighbours had new homes to live in, but died before he could see his dream fully realised.

Now, family and neighbours on the newly-rebuilt Market estate in Holloway have honoured long-time resident Jim Veal, who died in 2006, with a commemorative plaque.

Four months ago artist Mark Calderbank re-created an image of Mr Veal during a huge art installation in the estate’s condemned buildings.

And earlier this year, Southern Housing Group decided to name a new road after him – Jim Veal Drive. On Monday, a plaque was put up above the road sign so his name will be remembered.

Mr Veal, former chairman of Market Estate Tenants and Residents Association (Metra), worked alongside Southern Housing Group to bring about the demolition and revival of the estate, which has been renamed Parkside Place.

His wife Maggie, who moved into her new home in July 2007, said: “I am so pleased that Jim’s work for the redevelopment has been recognised. Before he became too ill, he spent a great deal of time attending meetings with other committee members to put forward their case for redevelopment.  Right up until he died people would visit to seek his advice on how to deal with their troubles. 

“I love my new flat. It’s a shame Jim’s not able to enjoy it with me, but knowing he was involved in the design gives me some comfort.”

She added: “It was a lovely gesture of Southern Housing and [its reinvestment director] Stuart Ross. The road named after him was good enough but when they told me they were putting up the plaque I couldn’t believe it. It was such a nice thing, specially for my grandchildren in years to come.” 

Mrs Veal and her husband moved to the estate in 1973. It was built over an old cattle market and pipes began eroding from the quicklime in the ground from the time when carcasses were buried there.

She said: “We loved the place but it had so many problems. There were really bad floods, it was rundown and there was vandalism. They’ve spent so much money on repairs. 

“This is why they came up with the idea of knocking it down. Now it’s such a different place, so friendly. Before we moved, they asked if there’s anyone we’d like as neighbours.”

In later years, Mr Veal, a former glazier, suffered asbestos-related health problems, but would still go to tenants’ meetings in his wheelchair when well enough.

Mrs Veal said: “He was a strong-willed person. He would argue the point, explain things to residents.”

Since 2005, when Southern Housing took over, 234 new homes have been built and all residents rehoused. A further 187 homes will be completed over the next two years.

Southern Housing Group reinvestment director Stephen Ross said: “I first met Jim when the Group was selected in 2003 to be the housing association partner to work with residents and Islington Council on the transfer and redevelopment of the estate. 

“Jim had strong views on the design of the new homes. ‘We don’t want to live on an estate, we just want to live in streets – and we don’t want to live in an architect’s experiment,’ he said.

“Although he did not live to move into his new home, phase 1 was well underway and Jim felt they would be good homes. I last met him just a couple of days before he passed away. He was in bed but still determined to express his views passionately. 

“Naming the street in his memory, which is now marked by the commemorative plaque, will ensure his influence on the estate will be recognised for many years to come.”

Former Holloway ward councillor Margot Dunn said: “The plaque is great testament to Jim and to all the residents who campaigned for redevelopment and now have new homes.”