DPNF was awarded CIL Funding in 2022 to develop initial sketch proposals (from 2020) into a more developed scheme, with a spending deadline of the end of the 2022/23 Tax Year.  The perspective view above is a result of the efforts. 

Highgate Fold: Where does this name come from? Historically, shepherds used to graze their sheep near the site in Kentish Town green. A traditional safe enclosure for a sheep flock is called a fold. Our community can have its own protected sanctuary, where people can enjoy the calm of greenery, have a rest, or get involved in healthy gardening.  The concept is to ensure our built environment is also a space that can connect us to the natural environment – to recreate links to the fields and green spaces of Kentish Town for the benefit residents and users.

Outline Brief:
– improve the outdoor space
– encourage positive and responsible use
– maintain existing trees
– planters, consider robust native plants
– potential for planters associated with NHS Doctor’s surgery, patients use, or other shop use
– prevent flooding
– improve railings, which could be linked to local historic imagery 
– seating for elderly / patients, those who need it
– low maintenance

This project was identified originally in our Neighbourhood Plan as something that could contribute to the achievement of the Plan’s objectives (Project number 7, p. 139).
Highgate Road: …from numbers 97 to 117 and located close to the Parliament Hill Medical Centre. The landscaping is at present harsh and dark, with much of it set down below the road level behind an unattractive railing. There may be a possibility of softening and greening the landscape, opening it out, and making more public use of the wide spaces in front of the shops and businesses. 

The proposed improvement to the area is based on original community input and subsequent feedback between 2020 and 2023.  Acting on community feedback, the DPNF will look to support the next stage of fundraising for further development, construction and maintenance.