Threat to shops revamp - Regeneration of Langtry Walk halted by HS2 high-speed rail link

Published: 27 January 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

A REGENERATION project that would have seen a group of dilapidated shops given a new lease of life has been halted by controversial plans for the HS2 high-speed rail link from London to the North. 

The Langtry Walk shopping parade in South Hampstead has been earmarked for a two-storey concrete ventilation shaft as part of the HS2 proposals.

Eighteen metres in diameter, it would mean the demolition of the row of shops. Last year residents were told they could be turned into a new primary care centre or other “exciting” developments such as social housing, or a brand new entrance to the  Alexandra and Ainsworth estate, as part of the second phase of a complete overhaul of the “Abbey Area”.

Council documents in November said the parade would be suitable for “a valuable range of redevelopment opportunities”.

Flo Cubbin, from the Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate Tenants and Residents Association, said she was concerned residents could now miss out on Mayor’s office regeneration funds.

A Camden Council spokeswoman said: “No proposals have been agreed for Langtry Walk Parade. HS2 are consid-

ering this as an access site for the proposed new HS2 rail development and their proposals will be the subject of public consultation due to commence in February 2011.”

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