Demolition work begins at rundown Market Estate
Demolition work has begun on the remaining three blocks of a 1960s estate in Holloway, London, to make way for a new, community-focused development. The bulldozing of the site is expected to finish in August.
Market Estate for years was synonymous with crime and anti-social behavior and in its decaying state attracted trouble-makers from nearby estates. The reputation of the estate was such that Sharon Jobe, a resident and chairwoman of the Market Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, believes she was not considered for a job with Islington Council because of her home address.
Residents were very much in favour of the demolition work and have been rehoused nearby. The new development, called Parkside Place, is now underway with plans to construct a further 187 homes on the site adding to the 234 already built. “From my new home I have easy access to the street, so I’m always chatting to my neighbours. There’s more of a community feel to the layout,” said long-time Market Estate resident Maggie Veal, whose late husband campaigned for the demolition and has a road on the new site named after him.
Southern Housing Group took over Market Estate in 2005 and also plans to make improvements to nearby Caledonian Park.
