New housing block named after renowned scientist Oliver Heaviside
Residents on the Agar Grove estate have chosen to name a new housing block ‘Oliver Heaviside House’, to commemorate the Camden-born acclaimed scientist.
Born in Camden in 1850, Oliver Heaviside grew up in poverty and became deaf after contracting scarlet fever. He went on to become one of the most important scientists in the fields of electromagnetic theory and telecommunications.
The name was chosen by residents from a selection of esteemed figures from Camden’s history.
Oliver Heaviside House is part of the Agar Grove estate redevelopment which will deliver high-quality and affordable homes for residents. I’m delighted that this remarkable Camden figure will be celebrated as part of the project, chosen by the majority who will soon be moving into their homes there.
This is an example of how our residents are taking the lead in designing and shaping their own homes and how we are working collaboratively to ensure they are at the front and centre of what we are delivering.
We want Camden’s proud history and diverse communities reflected in public spaces and buildings across the borough. I hope that Oliver Heaviside’s inspiring story of breaking down barriers to achieve greatness educates and inspires others in Camden.
Oliver Heaviside House is part of the next phase of the ongoing Agar Grove estate redevelopment, delivered through our ambitious Community Investment Programme (CIP). Once complete it will provide 94 affordable council homes to tackle overcrowding on the estate, rehousing residents currently living in Lulworth Tower as well as those who temporarily moved away from the estate. Completion is expected in late 2027.
Naming buildings after renowned figures in Camden’s history is a part of Camden’s Strategy for Diversity in the Public Realm which sets out to make our open spaces more balanced, accessible, and representative of our communities.
Find out more about Agar Grove estate redevelopment on our Community Investment Programme website.