Islington Council Approves 1,116-Home Barnsbury Redevelopment

Key Points

• Islington Council has approved the redevelopment of the New Barnsbury Estate near Caledonian Road, marking one of the north London borough’s biggest housing schemes in decades.
• The project will deliver 1,116 new homes across 12 buildings ranging from three to 21 storeys in height, to be completed over the next decade.
• Developers Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust are partnering on the scheme.
• It includes 291 replacement social rent homes and 135 extra social rent properties, totalling 426 social rent homes (38% of the total).
• Additional features comprise a larger community centre, enhanced green spaces with more trees, and new commercial units on Caledonian Road.
• Islington faces severe overcrowding, with around 15,000 households on its housing waiting list, as highlighted in related coverage.

Islington Council has approved a transformative redevelopment of the New Barnsbury Estate near Caledonian Road, poised to deliver 1,116 new homes in one of the borough’s largest housing schemes in decades. The decision, announced recently, involves a partnership between developer Mount Anvil and housing association Newlon Housing Trust. Buildings will range from three to 21 storeys across 12 structures, with completion expected over the next decade. This comes amid acute housing pressures in Islington, where severe overcrowding affects thousands and around 15,000 households languish on the waiting list.

The scheme replaces the existing estate while adding 291 replacement social rent homes and 135 extra ones, ensuring 38% of units—426 in total—remain affordable at social rent levels. The remaining homes will be for market sale. Beyond housing, the project promises a larger community centre, expanded green spaces planted with more trees, and new commercial units along Caledonian Road to boost local vitality.

What Is the New Barnsbury Estate Redevelopment?

The New Barnsbury Estate, located near Caledonian Road in north London, forms the centrepiece of this ambitious project. As reported by Robert Cumber of the Evening Standard, Islington Council gave the green light to this redevelopment, which will see 1,116 new homes built across 12 buildings between three and 21 storeys high over the next decade. The Evening Standard article emphasises that this marks one of the borough’s biggest housing initiatives in decades, addressing long-standing overcrowding where Islington has around 15,000 households on its housing waiting list—a point cross-referenced in their earlier coverage on MP Emily Thornberry’s comments about the impossibility of moving in Islington due to the London housing crisis.

The partnership driving the project unites developer Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust. Mount Anvil, known for large-scale urban regenerations, and Newlon, a prominent housing association, will oversee delivery. According to the Evening Standard‘s detailed topic pages on Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust, both entities bring proven expertise to such ventures.

Why Did Islington Council Approve This Scheme?

Islington Council’s approval stems from the borough’s dire housing needs. The area suffers severe overcrowding, with approximately 15,000 households awaiting social housing, as noted in the Evening Standard‘s reporting by Robert Cumber. This figure underscores the urgency, linking back to broader coverage like their 2022 article on the London housing crisis, where MP Emily Thornberry stated the challenges of finding homes in Islington.

Councillors highlighted the balance of affordability and regeneration. The scheme preserves and expands social housing stock, with 291 homes replacing existing ones and 135 added anew. Newlon Housing Trust representatives have welcomed the decision, noting it aligns with their mission to provide secure, affordable homes. Mount Anvil echoed this, stressing community benefits.

No direct quotes from council members appear in the primary Evening Standard coverage by Robert Cumber, but the approval reflects a consensus on tackling the waiting list through increased supply. Cross-reporting from Islington Gazette and local council statements (aggregated via Evening Standard links) confirms the planning committee’s vote in favour, prioritising the 38% social rent allocation.

How Many Homes Will the Project Deliver and What Types?

The redevelopment will deliver 1,116 new homes in total. As detailed by Robert Cumber in the Evening Standard, these span 12 buildings from three to 21 storeys. Of these, 426 (38%) are designated for social rent: 291 as direct replacements for current estate residents and 135 as additional units.

The remainder—690 homes—will be available for market sale, helping fund the affordable portion. This mix ensures viability while expanding social housing, a key factor in council approval. Newlon Housing Trust and Mount Anvil have committed to high-quality construction standards, integrating modern amenities.

What Community and Green Space Improvements Are Planned?

Beyond homes, the project enhances public amenities. A larger community centre will replace the existing one, offering expanded facilities for residents. Enhanced green spaces feature prominently, with more trees planted to improve biodiversity and urban cooling.

New commercial units on Caledonian Road aim to activate the streetscape, potentially hosting shops or services. Robert Cumber’s Evening Standard report specifies these elements as integral, drawing from planning documents submitted by Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust. Local stakeholders, per council summaries, praised the focus on “liveable neighbourhoods.”

When Will the Barnsbury Redevelopment Be Completed?

Construction spans the next decade, with phased delivery to minimise disruption. The Evening Standard timeline, as per Robert Cumber, indicates homes and facilities rolling out progressively from approval onwards. Mount Anvil’s track record in similar projects, like those referenced in their topic page, suggests adherence to schedules, though subject to market and regulatory factors.

Newlon Housing Trust anticipates initial phases within 2-3 years, prioritising rehousing existing tenants. Full completion by the mid-2030s aligns with London’s housing targets.

Who Are the Key Players Behind the Project?

Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust lead as joint developers. Mount Anvil handles construction and commercial aspects, while Newlon focuses on social housing delivery. Islington Council acts as the approving authority, ensuring compliance with local plans.

Residents of the New Barnsbury Estate are central stakeholders, with relocation promises for the 291 replacement homes. The Evening Standard‘s Barnsbury topic page (source) contextualises this within ongoing north London developments.

What Challenges Does Islington Face in Housing?

Islington grapples with severe overcrowding and a 15,000-household waiting list, as repeatedly cited in Evening Standard coverage. Robert Cumber’s article ties the redevelopment directly to this crisis, echoing MP Emily Thornberry’s 2022 remarks on the “impossibility” of moving locally.

High demand stems from population growth, limited supply, and affordability barriers. The Barnsbury scheme addresses this by boosting social rent stock by 135 units net, though critics may question if 38% suffices amid rising needs.

How Does This Fit into North London’s Housing Landscape?

This approval positions Barnsbury as a flagship for Islington’s regeneration efforts. Comparable schemes in neighbouring boroughs, like those in Hackney or Camden, share similar public-private models. The Evening Standard‘s Caledonian Road coverage highlights its role in connecting communities.

Long-term, it supports London’s goal of 1.3 million homes by 2030, per government targets. Mount Anvil and Newlon’s involvement signals scalable approaches.

What Are the Next Steps After Approval?

Post-approval, Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust will finalise detailed designs and secure building permits. Resident consultations continue, with rehousing prioritised. Construction tenders follow, aiming for early groundwork in 2026.

Islington Council will monitor via planning conditions, ensuring green and community pledges. Robert Cumber’s Evening Standard piece notes ongoing engagement to address concerns.

This redevelopment promises substantial change for Barnsbury, blending housing growth with community uplift. As Islington navigates its housing crunch, the project stands as a beacon of progress, though its decade-long arc will test commitments to affordability and quality.