Cafe Proposals at City Road Lock

Please note, this page is undergoing daily changes while we find out how the revised proposals are progressing.

Summary

In January 2012, Islington Council received a planning application to convert a British Waterways storage building into a lockside cafe.

This idea seemed attractive to a number of the local residents, on the basis that it would liven up the area and make it feel safer, but others were initially concerned about litter and noise nuisances. They were particularly worried about late night alcohol licences.

The plan attracted criticism because it involved structural changes and partial demolition in a conservation area. It also caused concern amongst community campaigners who had earmarked this building as a suitable base where "Big Society" volunteers could meet and who feared they would lose yet another potential facility.

The original plan was withdrawn before the council planners made any formal decision, but we are expecting a revised plan to be submitted soon. There are now signs that the local residents will be happy with a daytime cafe at this site, once they are assured that it will not be open after dusk. The Friends of Regent's Canal will probably want to support the revised plan, on the basis that it appears to be addressing most of our earlier concerns.

Click here to see historic information on the plans, or else continue on this page to find out what is happening next.

What is the location of this proposed cafe?

The building runs along the towpath at City Road Lock. It adjoins Hanover Primary School.

map

Latest News - Proposed Changes

Note - these comments are based on informal discusions with British Waterways and the applicant. No formal application or diagrams have been submitted yet.

Whereas the original plan showed a cafe area throughout the length of the building, we are now expecting the building to be divided into three separate areas:-
  • studio space
  • gallery/cafe
  • cafe/kitchen
The studio space looks to design and develop small scale projects on the periphery of the waterways. It will occupy the top (Western) end of the building, and will not normally be open to the public.

The gallery/cafe space will be flexible enough to allow community meetings to take place, and will showcase local artists.

The cafe/kitchen will promote sustainable produce and will look to source products from local producers wherever possible.

Further information will be published here once it becomes available.

Do you want to have your say?

If you have any questions on this subject, or suggestions, then please send an e-mail to friendsregentscanal@gmail.com



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