London ,
20
September
2017
|
10:10
Europe/London

Keep our 'green lungs' breathing: Residents asked to reimagine green spaces affected by HS2

They are Camden’s ‘green lungs’, little oases amid a bustling north London – and now Camden Council wants residents to say how much-valued green spaces in areas impacted by plans for High Speed 2 (HS2) could be improved and reimagined.

If you currently use green spaces in areas that will be affected by HS2, including the Drummond Street area, Regent’s Park Estate and Ampthill Estate, complete Camden’s online survey by 29 October 2017 or come to a drop-in event to give your thoughts.

Examples of improvements could include planting more trees or flowers, creating new wildlife habitats, creating temporary green spaces on small areas of streets, improving play or physical activity facilities, or improving access.

 

Camden is going to be significantly impacted by HS2 construction, which includes losing green spaces. St James’s Gardens has already closed to the public, Euston Square Gardens will be closed for the majority of construction, and green space will also be lost on estates.

“We know green spaces are important to local communities because they can improve health and wellbeing, and the character of an area, as well as creating habitats for wildlife and benefitting the environment. That’s why we want to make the most of the opportunity to improve and create spaces in impacted areas. I encourage residents, community groups and businesses to get involved and share your ideas. This is just the first step in the process and there will be many more opportunities to get involved as projects develop.
Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment

Residents can come along to one of the drop-in events we are holding with Groundwork London to give ideas and help shape our plans:

  • Munster Square, NW1 3PS: Tuesday 3 October, 3 to 6pm
  • Hope Gardens (Stanhope Street, next to the White Mustache Pub), NW1 3RJ: Thursday 5 October, 3 to 6pm
  • Clarence Gardens, NW1 3LH: Saturday 7 October, 9.30am to 12.30pm
  • Tolmers Square (entrance on Drummond Street), NW1 2PE: Saturday 7 October, 2 to 5pm
  • Euston Square Gardens, NW1 2DY: Tuesday 10 October, 2.30 to 5.30pm
  • Hampstead Road Open Space (next to Cartmel), NW1 3SH: Thursday 12 October, 2.30 to 5.30pm
  • Ampthill Estate Open Space (near the sports pitch), NW1 2LA: Saturday 14 October, 10am to 1pm.

We will use residents’ views and ideas to help identify where and how we could carry out improvements. There will be further opportunities to get involved over the next few years as individual projects develop.

Impact of HS2 on green spaces

Around two hectares of public green space will be lost during construction – about the size of two rugby pitches. During the parliamentary process of the HS2 Act, HS2 Ltd committed to providing quality replacement space. Some of this will be replaced as part of HS2 Ltd’s plans for the Euston station area, but this is unlikely to be ready for ten years. We recognise the importance of having access to green spaces during the construction period, so we secured funding from HS2 Ltd for improvements in impacted areas.