Highbury Square

Highbury Square

East Stand of Highbury Square
Former names Arsenal Stadium
Alternative names Highbury
General information
Type Apartment complex
Location Highbury
Address Avenell Road, N5
Town or city London
Country England
Coordinates 51°33′28″N 0°6′10″W / 51.55778°N 0.10278°W / 51.55778; -0.10278Coordinates: 51°33′28″N 0°6′10″W / 51.55778°N 0.10278°W / 51.55778; -0.10278
Construction started 2006
Completed 2010 (2010)
Cost £130 million
Owner Arsenal F.C.
Design and construction
Architect Archibald Leitch
Renovating team
Renovating firm Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd.
Website
highburysquare.com

Highbury Square is an apartment complex in Highbury, London. It was originally Arsenal Stadium: the home stadium of Arsenal F.C. until 2006 when they moved out and into the newly built Emirates Stadium nearby.[1]

History

The building was originally constructed in 1913 and designed by Archibald Leitch as Arsenal Stadium in the Art Deco style.[2] It remained the home of Arsenal for 93 years until 2006, when they moved into the new Emirates Stadium.

The complex cost Arsenal £130 million to build. In 2009, Arsenal sold 150 apartments in Highbury Square to London & Stamford Property at a 20 per cent discount to market value because several buyers failed to complete apartment purchases.[3] Arsenal cleared their debt on Highbury Square by 2010.[4]

Redevelopment

The North Bank and Clock End were demolished while the older Grade II listed buildings of the East and West Stands remained as part of the development.[5] The pitch was redeveloped into gardens.[6] Several parts of Arsenal Stadium were retained including the marble halls, the bust of Herbert Chapman and the players' tunnel.[7] It was opened officially in 2009,[8] by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.[9]

Details

Highbury Square has 650 flats. Former Arsenal player Robert Pirès owns one of the flats.[10] Although it houses private residences, Highbury Square was due to have a public footpath through it. Drainage issues in 2010 prevented this footpath from being opened, which led to it being called a "gated community" by local councillors.[11]

Designed by Allies and Morrison, the renovation of the complex has been praised by critics for creating "a feeling of openness and nature" while also providing "protection and privacy".[12] In 2009, Highbury Square's design won the MIPIM Special Jury Award.[13]

References

  1. ↑ "Highbury Square". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  2. ↑ Stuart Free (2010-01-17). "Arsenal Stadium". London: The Independent. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  3. ↑ Taylor, Peter (2009-09-28). "Arsenal accepts lowball offer for vacant Highbury Square flats". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  4. ↑ "Arsenal property deals send profits to record high". BBC News. 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  5. ↑ "The National Heritage List for England". English Heritage. 1997-07-16. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  6. ↑ "Football ground now transformed". BBC News. 2009-09-24. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  7. ↑ "Redevelopment of Highbury Stadium". London: Guardian. 2009-09-20. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  8. ↑ "In Pictures: Highbury Square". BBC News. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  9. ↑ Alan Smith (2009-09-18). "Alan Smith: Arsenal memories ensure club will always be at home at Highbury". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  10. ↑ Matt Barlow (2009-09-18). "Brady bunch: Liam masterminds Arsenal future but the Highbury memories linger on". London: Daily Mail. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  11. ↑ "Highbury Square developers ‘stalling’ on public footpath access". Camden New Journal. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  12. ↑ Rowan Moore (2009-11-04). "Pride of the Gunners: High praise for Highbury Square". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  13. ↑ "Highbury Square wins MIPIM Special Jury Award 2009 (FR/UK)". Europe Real Estate. 2009-03-16. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
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