Stakeholder Meeting to Discuss Archway Road Regeneration
The Highgate Society recently convened a meeting with local Archway businesses, officers from Haringey Council, Haringey councillors and community groups, including the Highgate Neighbourhood Forum and the Highgate CAAC. The aim of the meeting was to encourage key stakeholders to work collaboratively to agree initiatives to improve and revitalise Archway Road.
While noting that there are many positive aspects to Archway Road which provides a range of services and destination shops, a vibrant arts centre, a high number of pubs and eateries, and good transport links – it was agreed that there is much work to do to improve the vitality of Archway Road and its physical environment, as well as tackling issues such as security, antisocial behaviour, and driving speeds.
Discussions about improving the physical environment of Archway Road covered measures to reduce fly-tipping, remove pavement clutter, restore historic shop facades, and improve the green spaces and planters along the street, including some new tree planting. We are pleased to confirm that following the meeting, the Highgate Society’s guerrilla gardening group has already prepped and planted the Peace Park on the corner of Archway Road and Muswell Hill, and a similar session will take place in May on the grassed area between Gonnermans and The Boogaloo. Also, our local councillors have confirmed that Haringey Council will plant several trees in the autumn at the top of Wembury Road, which is a fly-tipping hot spot. Furthermore, there will be a Day of Action on 9 May arranged by the councillors when Haringey Council officers will visit Archway Road to deal with fly-tipping and waste enforcement issues.
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the conversion of commercial units into residential units. We are looking to Haringey Council to tighten their planning policies as losing businesses to residential threatens Archway Road’s future commercial viability.
Finally, there was some frustration over the delay in installing several CCTV cameras along Archway Road, which were scheduled for early 2020. These cameras are key in combating shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and speeding, and we will be pressing Haringey Council and our local councillors to get the cameras installed as quickly as possible.
Overall it was a positive meeting, and we plan to reconvene the group in the next few months to review progress and agree on the next steps.
We thank Jacksons Lane for hosting the meeting and the local businesses, Haringey officers, local councillors, and local groups who attended for their time and commitment to helping tackle the issues raised.
28 April 2024
