Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Demolition of Finsbury Park Pavilion
The unpublicised demolition of the pavilion on the old cricket pitch in Finsbury Park has arisen in a couple of recent threads. In the latest thread one member commented:
demolition of this building should have its own thread. I'm sure loads of locals would be interested but it's tucked away here
So here we are.
In short the issue is that the derelict 1950s pavilion on the old cricket pitch in the Harringay corner of Finsbury Park is due for demolition. On the face of it, it's an unlovely and unloved building that many might think is better demolished. It's only current use is by homeless sleepers. However, I look at it and see potential. So since learning about the plan I've been trying to find out a bit more.
Initially I questioned the demolition decision and left it at that. A few days later I bumped into a local business owner who, it transpired in conversation, had been talking to the Council about taking on the building as a community cafe. He has great plans including open air theatre in front of the building. However, his plans were stopped in their tracks by the Council's demand for a £300,000 premium.
This building has a great position, right on the banks of the river. Establishing it as a community cafe would be a great asset for us all and would not impinge on the current use of the baseball field, in fact I imagine it would be a great amenity for the baseball players.
I've been trying to find out if a structural survey has been done to establish its structural integrity. As far as I've yet been able to discover, no survey has been done. If the building is beyond economic repair, fair enough, knock it down. If it's not, it could be brought back into use, with the leaseholder taking on the burden of refurbishment, I suppose. Once in use, it would generate a handy income stream for the park.
I've been in touch with the Council Leader, our councillors and our MP. So far, the best response I've had has been from Claire Kober who sent a response with, what I thought was a poorly argued case for demolition (I'm supposing that it was prepared by an officer for Cllr Kober).
The demolition is scheduled for September. Apparently neither local councillors, the Friends of Finsbury Park, nor local residents have been consulted. I'd like to see the demolition halted whilst this missing stage is implemented.
Here's where the topic was first mentioned, by Cllr James Ryan, and here's where it was picked up again last week.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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I agree that if the only option for the building is that it continue as a dilapidated eyesore, demolition is the best bet. However, if there is a serious viable option to create a community friendly space which adds a new riverside venue to Harringay, wouldn't that be even better?
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Permalink Reply by 3i5w87evwl149 on
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Hello, I think this is crying out for an architectural competition. Open it up to local architects or go further afield (the RIBA can help with setting up and publicising architectural competitions), and set a competition brief to explore the open ended possibilities of what to do with this building.
Architects are good at thinking outside of the box and challenging the way we think about how a building or site might be used in relation to local need and context. It could be a really interesting process to bring lots of ideas to the table.
From the Council's point of view it is free design work and from the community's point of view it could produce something that will benefit everyone.
Even if demolition is the only option, an ideas competition can bring creative solutions for how to use the site afterwards. The possibilities are endless.
It would be a good chance for the council to address and respond to all of these comments and concerns in a fun and creative way, with very little cost but huge benefit. It seems like a win-win idea to me - I challenge the Council to show us that they can be forward thinking, and that they value good design in the interest of befitting their electorate. Hold off the demolition, think outside the box, be creative, and run an architectural competition.
I would certainly enter it!
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Permalink Reply by hhnrau on
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So many benefits could result from opening up this area of the park. I'd like to see a new entrance opposite Hermitage Road, to improve both pedestrian access, and to create a safe cycle path connecting Hermitage Rd with Manor House and F Pk entrances. (via Hermitage Road you have a safe and pleasant route to Chestnuts and Downhills Parks)
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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on
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You know, looking a map you might be on to something there. From the north of Downhills you go straight on to Lordship rec and all the way up to Tower Gardens.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
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I'd like to see a new entrance opposite Hermitage Road (hhnrau)
I agree Michael.
If the proceeds from the Concerts truly are ring-fenced and are burning a hole in Council pockets then, for the utility and convenience of Harringay residents, consideration ought to be given to creating a new entrance to Finsbury Park that is closer to the Green Lanes/Endymion Road intersection.
And IMHO, hhnrau's suggestion seems to make sense.
There's a combined cycle and pedestrian crossing on the south-eastern side of FP. A friend has suggested such an facility on North Hill, Highgate (linking The Park with Broadlands Road).
What do others think?
Clive Carter
Haringey Councillor
Liberal Democrat
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Yes, I heard. The local business owner told me that whilst this was being planned he was in discussion with the Council and being encouraged to draw up a business plan.
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That (and it's still just like that at the end of January) cost £50k?? Hope there's money for remediation included; as it is, it's more of an eyesore than when the pavilion was standing (didn't think I'd be writing that).
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Today a mechanical digger and high-vized workers could be seen on the site, plus a workers hut on the road in the park. Hope it is all finished off before the end of the financial year.
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