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Mayor Stefan Kasprzyk, who has lived in the area for almost 50 years |
Mayor hails street that bounced back
As shops and restaurants enjoy boom times, the next aim is to ditch the gyratory
ISLINGTON Mayor Councillor Stefan Kasprzyk this week celebrated the huge diversity of shops, restaurants and cafés – and the Saturday market – all thriving close to his home in Archway.
The area once regarded as the poor end of the borough is now seen as one of Islington’s greatest assets.
Cllr Kasprzyk acknowledged that much of Archway’s success is the result of pressure by organisations such as the Better Archway Forum. It has campaigned against plans for a large supermarket and a lap-dancing venue.
As he took a stroll along Junction Road in his mayoral robes, the well-known local Lib Dem councillor was congratulated on his new civic role by shopkeepers and passers-by.
Junction Road has its good and bad aspects. The privately owned mall, with its closed and semi-derelict shop fronts, has an air of shabby neglect.
But in less than a mile-long stretch of the road from Archway Tube station to Cathcart Hill there are at least 25 restaurants and cafés, and two bakers, one English, Stagnells, and one Turkish, Yidiz. It is one of the few streets left in the borough which can boast a Crown post office and a Woolworths.
Despite the recession, Junction Road and Upper Holloway Road are experiencing a small renaissance, with new businesses opening regularly. The Saturday market, opposite St John’s Church, is attracting more stalls and there are plans to open on Sundays.
The Island Queen restaurant opened on Wednesday at Archway Tavern, making the infamous traffic-clogged roundabout a new “in-place”. It will complement other cafés, a restaurant and clothes boutique already established on the island.
Had it not been for a major battle fought largely by Better Archway Forum, the new restaurant would have been a lap dancing venue.
Another new opening in Junction Road is Lily’s Antique Shop, owned by Tony Marrion, who recently moved from Stables Market in Camden Town. Mr Marrion said: “It’s a good area and it appears to be on the up.”
With its al fresco tables and chairs the Metro café next door to Archway Tube station adds to the continental atmosphere.
Owner Mahmoud Ismail and his six staff have brought the West End café experience to Archway, priding themselves on providing a fast, friendly and professional service.
Cllr Kasprzyk, the borough’s first Polish mayor, has lived in the area for almost 50 of his 53 years. He has seen its decline as well as its current success. “We do as much shopping as we can in Junction Road and Holloway Road,” he said. “One thing it does need, however, is a butcher.
“As for a large supermarket, local people have spoken and they don’t want one. I have great sympathy with that view. I don’t want Archway becoming another Nag’s Head. They are both good shopping centres but for different reasons.”
He would like to see the gyratory system removed and the traffic island merged with the pavement opposite. “The gyratory is a big blight and I know Transport for London is working on a plan to remove it,” he said. |
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