A Vital Step Toward Solving Islington’s Housing Crisis
In a borough grappling with sky-high rents, a shortage of affordable homes, and ever-increasing pressure on families and young people, this project represents a rare and much-needed opportunity to build more homes where people actually want to live.
The Proposal at a Glance
SevenCapital’s plan includes:
- 178 new homes, with 51% designated as affordable housing
- 242 student accommodation units
- Restoration of heritage buildings
- Creation of new public spaces and landscaping
You can read more about the plans at archwaycampus.co.uk
Why We Support It
🏘️ More Homes, in the Right Place
This is exactly the sort of infill development we need—repurposing a mostly disused site to add hundreds of new homes without taking up green belt land. The campus sits in a town centre, next to excellent public transport, with space to grow. If we can’t build here, where can we build?
🎓 Students Need Homes Too
Purpose-built student accommodation relieves pressure on the wider rental market by freeing up HMOs and flats that would otherwise be let to students. This makes it easier for local renters and families to find homes too.
🏙️ Yes, Tall Buildings Can Work
Some have objected to the 27-storey tower, but height allows density with more open space at street level—including new pedestrian links, green areas, and community use. London needs more ambitious, well-designed housing, and this is a great example of that.
💰 Real Affordable Housing
Over half of the proposed homes will be “affordable” by policy definition—far above many other schemes. Blocking this development risks losing hundreds of homes people could actually live in.
Addressing the Concerns
We understand concerns about height and heritage. But these must be weighed against the enormous social cost of not building. Every year we delay new homes, housing gets more expensive, families are priced out, and homelessness rises. The current campus is underused—this plan would give it a new life while retaining key heritage elements.
What Happens Next?
Although Islington Council refused the application in early 2025, the Greater London Authority has “called in” the decision and will now assess it. We urge the GLA to approve the scheme and set a positive precedent for responsible, high-density urban housing in London.
🟢 Our Verdict
We say: Yes In Archway’s Back Yard.
This is the kind of thoughtful, well-located development London urgently needs.
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