Islington

Almeida

Connectivity between high street and homes, quality of materials and a variety of contrasting, but complimentary buildings have created an unexpected new space for Islington. Almeida, Islington Square is nestled behind Islington’s Upper Street next to the Almeida Theatre in North London.  The site was formerly the North London Royal Mail sorting and delivery centre, which has been transformed into a new public space with homes, workspaces, shops and restaurants. 

Part refurbishment and part new build, with new spaces to provide respite from the High Street it enables a much-needed tranquil space in the heart of this area. Pedestrian, semi covered arcades flanked with plant lampposts introduce pedestrians and passers-by to the new place, and access to the mixture of food and clothes shops.

The 1.3 ha (3.23 acre) site comprises of substantial listed Edwardian buildings totalling over 32,000 m2 (346,000 sq. ft) of floor space with the main block constructed over five storeys plus basement. The affordable homes are within the new, curved six-storey building on the North East of the site which shares a central amenity courtyard garden with a series of sweeping curved façades and balconies. 

The completed development mixes private residential and affordable residential, serviced apartments, shops, restaurants and a new rehearsal space for the Almeida theatre. Creating an additional 350 new homes for the area. Islington is one of the densest populated areas in the country, so creating a new public space was key to the project.

Islington Square will include 170,000 sq ft of quality shops and restaurants, complemented by an all-day leisure offer. This includes Third Space Health Club, Maggie and Rose and a six-screen, Odeon Luxe and Dine.

Hunters were heavily involved in the pre contract negotiations for the affordable homes within the development and provided a full Employers Agent and Cost Consultancy service during the delivery of the affordable homes for Peabody on this prestigious development in the London Borough of Islington. 

Hunters worked alongside Peabody, Cain International, Sager and Galliard.

Client Peabody
Location Highbury, London Borough of Islington
Role Employers Agent and Cost Consultant