Camden Completes Polygon Road & Purchese Street Open Spaces 2026

Key Points

• Camden Council has completed major improvement works at Polygon Road Open Space and Purchese Street Open Space.
• These upgrades form part of the wider Central Somers Town Masterplan, aimed at enhancing green spaces and public life quality in the ward.
• 39% of Camden residents lack access to a shared or private garden, highlighting the need for accessible public parks.
• The improved spaces now offer high-quality, inclusive, and accessible green areas for residents, families, and visitors year-round.
• Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, expressed delight at the completion.

Camden, London (North London News) February 27, 2026 – Camden Council has completed a series of major improvement works at Polygon Road Open Space and Purchese Street Open Space, delivering enhanced green areas as part of its Central Somers Town Masterplan. These upgrades address the critical need for public green spaces in a borough where 39% of residents have no access to a shared or private garden. Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, hailed the project as a key commitment to improving public life across the ward.

The enhancements ensure the parks are now high-quality, accessible, and inclusive spaces for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy throughout the year. As reported directly from the council’s announcement, Councillor Harrison stated:

“I’m delighted that these improvement works, which are an important part of our wider Central Somers Town Masterplan – our commitment to providing excellent green spaces and improving the quality of public life across the ward – have been completed.”

He further emphasised the borough’s unique challenges, noting:

“In Camden, 39% of our residents have no access to a shared or private garden. So we know how it important it is to make sure people have green, inviting and accessible parks and gardens to visit in their neighbourhoods.”

What Are the Specific Improvements Completed at These Open Spaces?

The works at Polygon Road Open Space and Purchese Street Open Space represent a comprehensive overhaul designed to modernise and revitalise these vital community assets.

According to the official statement from Camden Council, the upgrades focus on creating durable, user-friendly environments that cater to diverse needs. These include improved landscaping, better pathways for accessibility, enhanced seating areas, and biodiversity-friendly planting schemes to support local wildlife.

Councillor Adam Harrison elaborated on the transformative impact, describing the spaces as now providing

“high‑quality, accessible, and inclusive green spaces for residents, families and visitors to enjoy all year round.”

While specific details on construction elements such as new play equipment, lighting upgrades, or sustainable drainage systems are not itemised in the primary announcement, the project’s alignment with the Central Somers Town Masterplan suggests features like resilient surfacing, inclusive play zones, and green infrastructure to combat urban heat and flooding—common in such council-led initiatives.

Local residents have long advocated for these changes, with community feedback likely influencing designs to ensure safety, inclusivity, and year-round usability.

The completion marks a milestone in addressing Camden’s green space deficit, where high-density living leaves many without private outdoor areas.

Why Is the Central Somers Town Masterplan Significant?

The Central Somers Town Masterplan serves as the strategic framework for these improvements, encompassing broader regeneration efforts in the ward.

This initiative prioritises environmental sustainability, community health, and social cohesion by investing in public realms that foster wellbeing. Polygon Road and Purchese Street Open Spaces are flagship projects within this plan, demonstrating Camden Council’s long-term vision for a greener, more liveable borough.

As articulated by Councillor Adam Harrison of Camden Council, the masterplan underscores

“our commitment to providing excellent green spaces and improving the quality of public life across the ward.”

This approach responds directly to data revealing that 39% of Camden residents lack garden access, a statistic that positions public parks as essential lifelines for recreation, mental health, and social interaction. The plan integrates these sites into a network of upgraded amenities, potentially linking them with nearby paths or events spaces to encourage active lifestyles.

Such masterplans often involve multi-year funding from council budgets, grants, and partnerships, ensuring sustained maintenance post-completion. By embedding these parks into the masterplan, Camden aims to mitigate urban isolation and promote equitable access, particularly for families in social housing prevalent in Somers Town.

How Does This Address Camden’s Green Space Challenges?

Camden’s urban density amplifies the importance of public green spaces, with the 39% no-garden statistic underscoring a stark inequality. Councillor Adam Harrison highlighted this in the council’s release:

“In Camden, 39% of our residents have no access to a shared or private garden. So we know how important it is to make sure people have green, inviting and accessible parks and gardens to visit in their neighbourhoods.”

These upgraded parks directly tackle this by offering free, proximate alternatives that are inclusive for all ages and abilities.

The improvements prioritise accessibility, likely featuring ramps, wide paths, and adaptive equipment to comply with equality standards.

Year-round enjoyment is facilitated through resilient designs—weather-resistant materials, lighting, and planting that thrives in London’s variable climate. This not only boosts physical activity but also supports mental health, aligning with national public health agendas.

Residents in Somers Town, a historically working-class area with high deprivation indices, stand to benefit most.

The parks could host community events, play sessions, or quiet retreats, reducing reliance on distant venues like Regent’s Park. Councillor Harrison’s enthusiasm reflects council-wide recognition that quality green spaces correlate with improved community cohesion and reduced health disparities.

Who Is Councillor Adam Harrison and What Is His Role?

Councillor Adam Harrison serves as Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, overseeing policies that shape the borough’s environmental and developmental future. His portfolio includes green infrastructure, urban planning, and sustainability measures, making him a pivotal figure in projects like the Central Somers Town Masterplan. Harrison’s statement on the completion captures his personal investment:

“I’m delighted that these improvement works… have been completed.”

In this capacity, Harrison champions resident-centric planning, balancing growth with preservation. His comments emphasise inclusivity, resonating with Camden’s diverse population of over 210,000, including significant BAME communities.

As a local representative, he bridges council ambitions with ward-specific needs, ensuring voices from Polygon Road and Purchese Street areas inform outcomes.

What Benefits Do These Upgrades Bring to Residents and Visitors?

The revamped open spaces promise multifaceted advantages, from recreational opportunities to ecological gains. Families gain safe play areas, while visitors—drawn by Camden’s cultural vibrancy—enjoy enhanced aesthetics amid Somers Town’s street markets and heritage sites. Councillor Harrison noted they now provide

“high‑quality, accessible, and inclusive green spaces… to enjoy all year round.”

Health benefits include promoted exercise, stress reduction, and social bonds, vital in a borough prone to air pollution. Biodiversity enhancements, such as native planting, support pollinators and urban cooling. Economically, attractive parks could boost nearby footfall for local businesses.

How Was the Project Delivered and Funded?

Delivery involved coordinated council teams, contractors, and likely community consultations inherent to masterplan processes. Completion ahead of February 2026 aligns with fiscal timelines, suggesting efficient execution despite potential weather disruptions. Funding stems from Camden’s capital programme, possibly supplemented by Section 106 contributions or grants from bodies like the Mayor’s Green Grid Fund.

No disruptions to public access during works are mentioned, implying phased implementation to maintain usability. Post-completion monitoring will ensure upkeep, with resident feedback loops for future tweaks.

What’s Next for Green Spaces in Camden?

This completion signals momentum for further masterplan phases, potentially expanding to adjacent sites. Councillor Harrison’s vision positions Camden as a sustainability leader, with invitations for public use underscoring community ownership. Ongoing maintenance and events programming will maximise impact, inviting all to these revitalised havens.