Islington History & Architecture Group – notes from 1st
session of the summer term to find out about CZWG’s Islington Square
Lead by Astrid Rehwald – lead architect on the IslingtonSquare project
We met Astrid at the former Mitre pub on Upper Street – a
building which will form part of the Islington Square development and is
currently being used to house a model of the development
Astrid talked us through the project which will see former
Post Office buildings transformed into a mixed use scheme including housing /
commercial – space for retail and offices / leisure
Using plans, images and the model Astrid shared her
knowledge and experience of working on the project, she explained:
- how they got planning permission
- the different elements of the project – part refurbishment / adaption of Edwardian buildings and demolition and new build
- how they work with their client / developer
- the plans for the existing buildings – how they are to be transformed
- each floor of the development – floor by floor – taking in the different aspects, from the retail arcade and new pedestrian link on the ground floor – to the luxury penthouses on the top
The talk was followed up with a visit to the site – we were
able to visit “Block A” the former Post Office north London sorting office.
Astrid took us up floor by floor – right to the top. Giving
the group a chance to see the building in its current state and better
understand how the building will be adapted. Having a chance to visit the
building enabled the group to understand the complexities of working with
historic buildings.
The group took great interest in the window specifications
– and were able to see and test the various window options CZWG have installed
in order to find which one works best (and meets the approval of the Islington
planning department). The views from the top of the building were amazing – all
of London’s landmarks – it was easy to imagine the space as penthouse rooftop
gardens in the future.
It was a great privilege to see a redundant historic
building in transition – in its current derelict state before
transformation.
Experiencing the building in a derelict state was evocative –
giving a glimpse of the past - whilst also thinking about the future – the
visit will be a reference point for the group – having a chance to experience
it “before” we now look forward watching it develop in the years ahead and
seeing and experiencing it again in its renewed design.
We benefited from Astrid’s knowledge and passion – someone
who knows the building inside out – she communicated CZWG’s vision and
intentions for the scheme with clarity and enthusiasm.
