New shop fronts for Archway boost business

Islington's latest regeneration project has seen the shops and businesses located in Archway revamped. The £2 million project was funded by Islington Council and has helped 18 shop fronts receive modern new looks that could help improve business as the summer begins.

The council is hoping that the move will help to improve Archway for both businesses and customers by making it more attractive overall. The shops that have been spruced up through the regeneration project include a tailor, a gift shop and a cafe.

It is hoped that the project will mean that the old Archway Gyratory will ultimately be removed. Access has also been improved to several of the shops in order to allow disabled shoppers and those with prams better access.

Many of the shop fronts were given upgrades that took into account the age of the buildings, so as to better fit with the architecture.

The Map Gift Shop is one of the completed stores and has been fitted with a curved glass feature window that suits the historical aspects of the premises. The shop's owner, Ian Morris, has expressed how much the regeneration has already made a difference to business.   

He said: "Business has increased considerably and customers are feeling inspired once again by retail in Archway. It's amazing, every customer absolutely loves the new shop exterior and interior. Archway is really 'bucking' national retail trends. A big thanks to Islington Council and Archway Town Centre group who helped make our plans a reality."

As well as the improvements to the shop fronts, the regeneration project includes a new public area close to Archway Close and Flowers Mews. An ongoing community arts project, 'A Million Minutes', also received funding through the project.

The work was conducted with input from the shopkeepers involved and Lyndon Goode Architects in order to ensure improvements met with the needs of the shops and suited the overall area. It was supported by Green Light North London, which gave advice on energy efficiency.  

 

Published 26th July, 2013

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