Final designs unveiled for Caledonian Park clock tower
Islington Council has revealed final designs for Caledonian Park clock tower that will turn the park into a vibrant, more resident-friendly destination, providing free public access to the panoramic views from the top of the restored tower.
As well as restoring the historic Grade II*-listed clock tower, Islington Council is providing a new heritage centre, café and toilet facilities that allow the community to make the most of the revitalised tower and the park.
Designs have been finalised following extensive consultation with the community, Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and follow a detailed analysis of feedback from a public consultation held last summer.
The new design for the centre addresses many of the concerns raised in the consultation. A proposed canopy has been removed, and the space between buildings widened to give clear and improved views of the clock tower from the north.
Also, the buildings’ cladding material has been changed to stone, bronze and brick which softens their visual impact and complements the clock tower.
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Cally Clock Tower is one of the hidden gems of Islington’s history. We want to carry out much-needed refurbishment, create much better access to the tower and also improve facilities for residents. The café, toilets and heritage centre will be a real asset to the park.
“We have adjusted the centre’s designs accordingly, after listening to the views expressed by residents. It is important to get this right to ensure a sustainable and successful scheme.
“We have balanced the public’s feedback with the requirements and observations from the HLF and Historic England to produce a plan that we hope satisfies everyone to the greatest possible extent.”
Caledonian Park Clock Tower opened in 1855 as the centrepiece of the former Metropolitan Cattle Market. The tower and its Grade II* listed railings were built to withstand a bull stampede.
The opportunity of funding from the HLF presents a one-off opportunity to protect the clock tower, which is currently on Historic England’s ‘At-Risk Register’, and create a fitting community resource so people can learn about its historical importance, while also improving facilities for all park users.
To read the full design document see www.islington.gov.uk/caledonianpark.
As well as restoring the historic Grade II*-listed clock tower, Islington Council is providing a new heritage centre, café and toilet facilities that allow the community to make the most of the revitalised tower and the park.
Designs have been finalised following extensive consultation with the community, Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and follow a detailed analysis of feedback from a public consultation held last summer.
The new design for the centre addresses many of the concerns raised in the consultation. A proposed canopy has been removed, and the space between buildings widened to give clear and improved views of the clock tower from the north.
Also, the buildings’ cladding material has been changed to stone, bronze and brick which softens their visual impact and complements the clock tower.
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Cally Clock Tower is one of the hidden gems of Islington’s history. We want to carry out much-needed refurbishment, create much better access to the tower and also improve facilities for residents. The café, toilets and heritage centre will be a real asset to the park.
“We have adjusted the centre’s designs accordingly, after listening to the views expressed by residents. It is important to get this right to ensure a sustainable and successful scheme.
“We have balanced the public’s feedback with the requirements and observations from the HLF and Historic England to produce a plan that we hope satisfies everyone to the greatest possible extent.”
Caledonian Park Clock Tower opened in 1855 as the centrepiece of the former Metropolitan Cattle Market. The tower and its Grade II* listed railings were built to withstand a bull stampede.
The opportunity of funding from the HLF presents a one-off opportunity to protect the clock tower, which is currently on Historic England’s ‘At-Risk Register’, and create a fitting community resource so people can learn about its historical importance, while also improving facilities for all park users.
To read the full design document see www.islington.gov.uk/caledonianpark.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.