Transforming an old railway line into a “park in the sky”: London is inspired by New York and is regarding to embark on the construction of its own aerial green corridor, in the heart of the British capital.
Local authorities must give the official green light on January 19 for the launch of the first section of la « Camden Highline », in reference to the name of the famous planted promenade in Manhattan. It took half a decade of relentless planning, of architectural reflection and fundraising by residents, businesses, donors and political figures for the project to see the light of day.
The 1.2 kilometer long former railway viaduct will link Camden Town to the newly transformed King’s Cross area. The bridge, now overgrown next to still operational railway lines, is set to become a green space attracting many Londoners.
” Magical “
« We hope to build an amazing park in the sky“, told AFP Simon Pitkeathley, who oversees the project. This will be a beautiful and pleasant environment to move around between these two vibrant parts of London,” he added, guiding local residents to show them the imagined green corridor.
The architectural offices of vPPR and James Corner Field Operationsthe company behind Manhattan’s High Line, won the tender for which dozens of companies had come forward.
Recalling herself the green corridor created in 1988 in the east of Paristhe American promenade, built on an old railway line in the east of Manhattan, has become a major tourist spot since it opened in 2009 and has recently been expanded.
According to James Corner, its little London sister will be “a one-of-a-kind elevated park […] illustrating the magical symbiosis between nature, culture, arts and people”. The project mobilized residents of Camden, a district in the north of the capital known for its market and its nightlife.
“quite different”
« We love the High Line in New York et [on] are super enthusiastic that the same company is in charge of that” in London, rejoices Charlotte Tansey. “There are so many tourists who come to Camden every day. It would be great for them to have a new view, like in Manhattan! »
Nevertheless, the two green flows will be “quite different, because we are right next to real trains”, says Pitkeathley. Thick transparent panes will protect pedestrians.
The viaduct, built in the Victorian era but unused for nearly 40 years, is on long-term loan to the Camden Highline by Network Rail, owner of some 32,000 kilometers of British rail. The walk will pass through Camden Road tube station, which will be one of the four or five entrances envisaged to join the green belt. The architects plan to leave the structures of the bridge exposed to “celebrate” the alliance between nature and aging monuments.
Built in several phases, the walk is expected to cost at least 35 million pounds (40 million francs) in total, according to estimates. The first part will start at Camden Market and might open to the public by 2025. The other two sections are expected to take at least two more years to build.
