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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 22 August 2008

From left: Andy Murphy and David Hyams of the EC1 New Deal for Communities, Cllr Ruth Polling, and EC1 board members Liz Kessler and Shagufta Nasreen with her daughter Alishpa Pervaiz

Derelict waste ground reborn as green and safe public space

FOR more years than residents care to remember Agdon Street triangle in St John Street, Finsbury, was a neglected and semi-derelict waste ground.
Now, thanks to a £370,000 makeover from Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities, the area has been completely transformed.
Seating and lighting have been installed, together with new paving and surfacing, creating a safe and attractive space for residents to sit or meet.
At the same time an unused stretch of Agdon Street has also been reclaimed as open space, greatly increasing the amount of land.
Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington Council’s executive member for leisure and equalities and the council’s nominee on the EC1 New Deal for Communities board, said: “The triangle was just wasted space before but now it’s a great space for residents.
“We asked local people what they wanted and we’ve taken up their ideas on the project wherever possible.
“I’m delighted with the results and hope residents are too.”
David Hyams, who has lived in Finsbury for more than 60 years and is a member of the EC1 board, said: “This piece of land was certainly neglected.
“It is now much lighter and brighter and I hope it makes people realise that things are happening with EC1 New Deal for Communities and the council working together in a very positive way.”
Greg Wright, joint landlord of the Peasant pub which looks out on to the triangle, said: “I remember vividly how rundown it was.
“You couldn’t get a greater contrast to the contemporary finish of this.
“I think it is a great achievement – we are really happy with it. It is unrecognisable.”
Secure stands for 16 bikes and six motorbikes have been added, and wider walkways make it easier to navigate for buggies and wheelchairs.
Traffic calming will also make the area safer for pedestrians.

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