Location: Kentish Town, London
Status: Concept stage
A self-initiated project, exploring ideas for a new public landscape in the heart of Kentish Town. The aim is to transform the journey to Hampstead Heath, linking Kentish Town to Kenwood via new walkways and squares developed close to the railway.
Kentish Town is historically named after the combination of ‘ken’ (Celtic word for ‘green’) and ditch (referring to the River Fleet). The name points to the area’s unique natural topography. We propose to revive this relationship between city and landscape, reconnecting Kentish to Kenwood through an open public space that will enhance the green corridor towards Gospel Oak and bring visitors to the Heath.
Key to our proposal is the creation of a large town square, extending over the railway opposite Kentish Town Station. The new square will enjoy long views and much-loved panoramic scenes of sunsets and moonrises to the north-west. It will become a meeting place, a destination.
Visitors will continue their walk from the square to access a series of interlinked paths and community places on the Regis Road and Murphy sites. Gradually, they will reach Kentish Town City Farm—a local treasure and the first city farm founded in the UK—and then continue until the entrance to Parliament Fields near Gospel Oak Station.
The viewing corridor above the railway between Kentish Town Station and the Heath will be protected and enhanced. Cyclist routes and pedestrian bridges over the railway lines will connect the Regis Road and Murphy sites at appropriate locations.
The project aims to enhance the area’s distinct character and landscape. It recognises the inevitability of future building development but focuses on the vital importance of also creating high quality open air spaces and community amenities for the local residents.
Sustainability strategies include strengthening the biodiversity of the area through protecting and expanding the existing green corridors; and using low output smart urban lighting, powered by solar and kinetic energy (train, wind) and triggered interactively (see Night Sky).
For more information read ‘Kentish to Kenwood‘.
