The Cally to welcome Islington's second liveable neighbourhood following resident feedback

Changes in The Cally will provide a model of inclusive, accessible public spaces where residents can come together, support local businesses, and enjoy new green spaces close to home, and follow the recent announcement of a new liveable neighbourhood in the Mildmay area.

The improvements to The Cally aim to help realise the five themes of the We Are Cally Community Plan, which include aspirations to create opportunities for children and families, support local businesses and employment, foster community connections, enhance green spaces, and improve health and air quality.

The council’s plans for The Cally include a range of improvements designed to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone. In the Spring of this year, the council listened to local people's ideas for the area and used their insights to develop plans for the area that were put to consultation. This feedback has shaped the final plans, which include:

• Pavement improvements on Caledonian Road focussing on repairing and decluttering between Bridgeman Road and Richmond Avenue to make them safer and more accessible
• Three new pocket parks: New greening, lighting and seating at Tilloch Street, Freeling Street (East), and Story Street, creating safer, more inviting local streets and spaces
• Greener, safer streetscape on Frederica Street: Enhancements include low-level planting, new cycle parking, wider pavements, and a new continuous crossing for improved pedestrian safety
• Improved walking, wheeling, and cycling routes: New pedestrian and cycling improvements between York Way and Caledonian Road including a cycle ramp at Lyon Street, making the route more accessible for all
• Enhancing the approaches to Bingfield Park: At three key points, the council will create wider pavements, additional trees and planting beds, upgraded lighting, and cycle parking for more welcoming and well-connected entrances to the park
• A traffic filter on Blundell Street: A traffic filter will be installed on Blundell Street to support the benefits of the school street project near Robert Blair Primary School, reducing through traffic and enhancing safety
• Public space upgrades at York Way Gardens: New planting beds, seating, cycle parking and improved lighting will make the space more welcoming and provide more space for local businesses, who will be supported by the delivery of a new designated loading bay

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport, said: “We are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with local people to fundamentally reimagine Islington’s streets, to create a greener, more equal future for all.  

“The Cally Liveable Neighbourhood will transform this important part of the borough, creating green, accessible spaces that bring people together. These plans are a response to local aspirations for more welcoming public spaces, and we’re committed to making sure residents can enjoy a safer, more connected area, and that local businesses are supported to thrive.”

Work on The Cally Liveable Neighbourhood is set to begin from Winter 2024/2025, with further improvements planned through to early 2026.