Go-ahead for new £13m Ashmount Primary School

Published: 22 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

CONTROVERSIAL plans to rebuild a primary school on semi-derelict open space in Upper Holloway were finally approved this week.

The £13million scheme to replace Ashmount School’s 1960s building in Hornsey Lane has been dogged by objections and delays for six years. The new school will be at Crouch Hill recreation ground, close to wildlife sites.

The school maintains the existing glass-clad building is too hot in summer and cold in winter. There are no corridors, which means children and staff have to walk through adjoining classrooms to reach the stairs. The only toilets are on the ground floor.

Objectors argued that the building is important architecturally and could be refurbished at half the cost of a new school.

Plans approved by Islington Council’s executive committee mean Bowlers Nursery and the derelict Cape Youth Centre at the recreation ground would be restored. Work on the new school is due to start in December and will be completed by September next year.