Islington Council has set out a plan to redevelop the Finsbury Leisure Centre, but many residents aren’t happy.
The council has been hosting a public consultation with Islington residents and claims that the new redevelopments will benefit the community.
The leisure centre currently comprises of football pitches and an open space.
The redevelopment involves new accommodation complexes and refined communal areas.
So far, the public consultation has resulted in negative feedback about the redevelopment.
Thus far, the residents’ feedback has been negative, as locals are distressed over these new redevelopment plans.
CityNews spoke to Luca Gamberi, a local who lives right next to the football pitches.
Mr Gamberi said that he will not be able to get any natural light and will not “see anything but bricks” if these plans go ahead.
He also stated that the community is upset over these plans because the total area of the leisure centre will be reduced by approximately two-thirds.
Mr Gamberi says, “The council is trying to fix a problem that will go on forever by building in an overpopulated area, instead of fixing current assets and trying to get back what they have privatised in the past or improve and expand current estates.
“So there is a general anger and concern that this scheme is not for improving or investing in the community, but just a tick box exercise for the council to wash their hands over real old housing issues.”
The new plan involves positioning the football pitches on the roof of the new leisure centre.
The new plan for the Finsbury Leisure Centre site’s football pitches. CREDIT: ISLINGTON COUNCIL
CityNews asked Islington Council to comment on the residents’ reaction. However, CityNews has yet to receive a reply.
Residents are able to continue sharing feedback until 28 January.
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HeadlineIslington residents upset over Finsbury Leisure Centre redevelopment
Short Headline Finsbury Leisure Centre redevelopment plans upsets residents
StandfirstIslington Council's plans to redevelop the Finsbury Leisure Centre site have raised a lot of complaints among the local residents.
Islington Council has set out a plan to redevelop the Finsbury Leisure Centre, but many residents aren’t happy.
The council has been hosting a public consultation with Islington residents and claims that the new redevelopments will benefit the community.
The leisure centre currently comprises of football pitches and an open space.
The redevelopment involves new accommodation complexes and refined communal areas.
So far, the public consultation has resulted in negative feedback about the redevelopment.
Thus far, the residents’ feedback has been negative, as locals are distressed over these new redevelopment plans.
CityNews spoke to Luca Gamberi, a local who lives right next to the football pitches.
Mr Gamberi said that he will not be able to get any natural light and will not “see anything but bricks” if these plans go ahead.
He also stated that the community is upset over these plans because the total area of the leisure centre will be reduced by approximately two-thirds.
Mr Gamberi says, “The council is trying to fix a problem that will go on forever by building in an overpopulated area, instead of fixing current assets and trying to get back what they have privatised in the past or improve and expand current estates.
“So there is a general anger and concern that this scheme is not for improving or investing in the community, but just a tick box exercise for the council to wash their hands over real old housing issues.”
The new plan involves positioning the football pitches on the roof of the new leisure centre.
The new plan for the Finsbury Leisure Centre site’s football pitches. CREDIT: ISLINGTON COUNCIL
CityNews asked Islington Council to comment on the residents’ reaction. However, CityNews has yet to receive a reply.
Residents are able to continue sharing feedback until 28 January.
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