Lichfields leads on planning strategy for ground breaking London regeneration project
06 Jun 2022Strategic planning and development advice from Lichfields is behind ambitious proposals for the first phase of an ‘exciting’ new regeneration project in North London.
The proposals by international designer James Corner Field Operations will create a 1.2km long elevated parkway on a former railway viaduct that links Camden Town and its market via Camley Street to King’s Cross.
The ‘Camden Highline’ route will run eight metres above the ground, providing a biodiversity boost for one of London’s most popular tourism centres as it weaves its way through local communities and housing estates, connecting 20,000 people to new green space.
Gardens and walkways, seating areas, cafes, arts and crafts stalls, children’s play areas and space for charitable activities are all set to feature in a ground-breaking design, which is inspired by woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and gardens to ‘celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct’.
Alongside delivering health and social benefits, the developers and architects vPPR are working with urban space reimaginers Street Space to ensure the local community plays a central role in project design and a voice in decision-making. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given his backing to a scheme, which he says epitomises London’s creativity and ingenuity.
An expected two million people a year could visit and use the Highline, pumping an additional £16m in tourism revenue into the local economy annually. Upwards of 200 jobs could also be delivered during construction operations, while land and property values will see a strong uplift with almost £100m worth of existing and future development anticipated.
Project advice and strategy provided by the London office of Lichfields is part of a package of support to secure planning permission for Phase 1 (Camden Gardens to Camden Road), which is expected to be granted in August 2022.
Senior director Michael Lowndes and planner Sophie Bisby said Highline is an exciting and innovative regeneration initiative that will revitalise a vitally important part of London. He said:
Lead designer James Corner at Field Operations comments:
Camden Highline, the charity behind the project, is currently focused on fundraising for construction.
Image credit: James Corner Field Operations