Euston OSD Ideas Book by EustonOSD

Euston Over-Station Development

Ideas BOOK

June 2022

Euston Over-Station Development

Ideas

BOOK June 2022

Contents

Foreword Overview

7 8

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1 2 3 4

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Culture

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Elements of the Spectacular

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Keeping the Spirit Alive

Much more than a Place and full of many Characters

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Neighbourhoods

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Affordable for All

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Be Welcoming and Safe

Nature

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An Edge with a Neighbourhood Feel

Green around Every Corner

Everyday

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The Joy of Everyday

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Street that People would Choose to Use Setting a Benchmark for Accessibility

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Foreword We are thrilled to have curated this Ideas Book with a collation of such rich content developed entirely by the local community. When we began developing an understanding of the Euston Over-Station Development (OSD), we knew that community involvement was going to be essential to our approach. We started with the ambition of getting to know and understand what the community values, what is important to them and where the masterplan can contribute to their ambitions for the area. We are delighted and privileged that so many community members from Somers Town, Mornington Crescent, Drummond Street, The Cuttings, Regent’s Park Estate, the Ampthill Estate and all of the other neighbourhoods that surround Euston station have been so generous with their time to help us start to understand this place. This book is a celebration of the time and ideas that the community have given us. Our hope is that by bringing these ideas to life we can provide a valuable resource for our team, and surrounding neighbourhoods involved in shaping the future of Euston, as we embark on our masterplanning process. Exploring a range of ideas with members of the community about what this place can become is helping to invigorate thinking and spark design ideas. The contributions made by the community to date have already started to influence and shape the masterplan, and while we cannot use or represent every idea mentioned in this book, we hope you see a reflection of what this place could be as we bring forward our plans for the OSD. Jenny Sawyer Development Director Euston OSD, Lendlease 7

Overview

About the Euston Over-Station Development The Euston Over-Station Development (OSD) accounts for the area of development planned above and around the HS2 and Network Rail Stations and tracks – a site of almost 60 acres (which is equivalent to approximately 45 football pitches). Lendlease will be delivering a new mixed-use neighbourhood at Euston. The Euston OSD will include new homes, workplaces, offices, leisure and community facilities, cafés, shops, a network of green and open spaces and new streets, to reconnect the neighbourhoods around Euston. This means we have a responsibility to consider how Euston can and should function as a place for people – a place where public life can thrive. There is a unique opportunity to think about how Euston can work as a collection of better-connected places and spaces. The Euston OSD will reunite existing neighbourhoods that have been divided by the station, and celebrate the area’s leading science, technology, history, culture and local character.

Map of the Eu ston Over-Stat

ion Developm

ent boundary

Lendlease will deliver a new development that Euston’s communities feel part of and can enjoy, whilst maximising social and economic benefits for the area. The Euston OSD will complement and support what is already great about Euston.

Generating Ideas The Euston OSD will be an opportunity to take account of everything that makes Euston so unique, including the area’s rich history, the diverse and thriving nature of the local communities, and the opportunity to create new places and facilities that can bring real benefits to local people. We have been working with local residents, community groups, organisations, businesses, youth groups and charities for the past year through a Residents Advisory Group (RAG) and Community Interest Group (CIG) to understand the area. Through presentations, forums, walk and talks and digital surveys we have begun to understand their asks and priorities. Throughout March 2022 we held a series of Ideas Workshops, looking at three key areas in the masterplan: Eversholt Street, the Euston Mainline Station Roof and the Northern Approaches (The Cuttings). These creative workshops were an opportunity for us to learn about the ideas, big and small, that local people had for Euston. The ideas from these workshops, and meetings with younger people, older residents, and mix of local social impact groups have all contributed to making this book. We are also very aware of the extensive contributions the wider community have made to thinking about the future of Euston over recent years and have tried to recognise these within the ideas represented in the book. The four chapters in this book – Culture, Neighbourhoods, Nature, and Everyday – cover the key topics and themes that have been of greatest interest and discussion to community members. Each chapter contains a number of concepts and ideas which aim to capture qualities that could be considered for the Euston OSD. 10

Images from th e Ideas Worksho ps with local com munity membe rs

Visualising the Ideas We called out to local art groups to find six Camden based artists who we have worked with to illustrate some of the ideas and feedback we have received so far. This work is not only inspired by the ideas and feedback from local communities, but the artists themselves who have a connection to the local area. Every idea translated into a visual representation by the artist has come directly from an idea contributed by a local community member. This was a very open process; artists have brought to life comments and feedback from local community members to provide a interpretation which visualises early ideas and thoughts across Euston communities. 11

1 Culture

DRAMA © Diana 12Foster 2022

Chapter 1. Culture Culture was a recurring topic throughout workshops and conversations with the community. It came with the clear assertion that Euston is a place of many cultures, with new and old culture. It is a vibrant mix of formal and informal culture coming together and is one of areas greatest strengths which helps to define its unique character. In some cases, Culture can mean “Elements of the Spectacular”. The spectacular could be a new element, like a viewing platform complete with telescope, or a reflection of places already well used and loved – like the Southbank Centre – or something that you would not expect to see at a station like a skatepark, or an open-air cinema. While innovation is important, it was clear that this must not lose sight of Euston’s existing culture. The Euston OSD will need to “Keep the Spirit Alive”. Small and large cultural offers need to capture the history of Euston’s neighbourhoods and communities, ensuring their stories continue to be told. Euston is much more than a train station. We need to recognise that it is “More than one place and full of many characters”. This needs to be reflected across the visual identity, the food and retail offer, and spaces which should cater for a diverse mix of people of any age and income.

“Euston is a place of many cultures, with new and old culture, and this vibrant mix of formal and informal culture coming together is one of the area’s greatest strengths.” 13

Elements of the Spectacular

Reimagining what a station roof can be Give us something out of the ordinary: Swimming pool, open air cinema, zip wire, Gaudi inspired spectacle?

An opportunity to provide a great space on the roof...

A SKATE & BIKE PARK

would encourage young people to use the spaces.

ROLLER COASTER,

GAMING CENTRE,

E R T N E C YOUTH

Take inspiratio n from the South Bank C entre to creat e a multi layere d cultural offe r from the free and easy, to t he critically accla imed.

What can you see from the station roof? Iconic city views or a place to soak up life take in a sunset

Panoramic views 18

o p a i c e g n s ? t e A l te 19

Think of multi-sensory attractions to draw people in and up to the roof.

I want to see or hear samba band drawing me up the steps!

Or the opportunity to see an outdoor performance on a summer evening. 21

Keeping the spirit alive

Ensure Euston’s character is visible in the streets Let’s design the modern age band stand for the community to use at the heart of the site.

unday 2022

Let’s do more to support intergenerational activities It would be good to see funding to support community spirit and wellbeing for all.

I would like to see a monument to the 160 languages spoken in Euston

nday

becc a Mu

2022

A free amphitheatre, a place for local debate or performances. Art that captures our history.

Celebrations and festivals.

o Patocc

hi 2022

Much more than a place and full of many characters

Ensure that young people are fully included in making plans for Euston’s future

A public facility for science and innovation providing training and career opportunities

Take inspiration

from the busy,

CHAOTIC, rough and ready nature of Camden and the area around the station

Any new retail and community spaces should work with and complement rather than compete with existing groups. Support and signpost existing businesses on Eversholt and Drummond Street.

Prioritise pop-up opportunities for independent and local restaurants

promote Euston’s food culture.

where they can

2 Neighbourhoods 36

Chapter 2. Neighbourhoods There is an opportunity for a collection of neighbourhoods to come together and interact. These neighbourhoods are fundamental to the identity of Euston and should be celebrated and learned from. In every discussion, one idea has been ever present – that Euston needs to be “Affordable for All”. This multi-faceted challenge is one that we need to meet in homes, workspaces, open spaces and in the shops and businesses in the Euston OSD. Fundamentally, the Euston OSD is to “Be Welcoming and Safe”. This will mean different things for different neighbourhoods and different communities. The Euston OSD should tackle issues rather than displace them, recognise the importance of light, bright spaces and routes, and ensure everyone has a place in the Euston OSD, regardless of age or background.

“Euston is a collection of neighbourhoods that come together and interact. These neighbourhoods are fundamental to the identity of Euston and should be celebrated and learned from.”

Edwards 2022

Affordable for all

Affordable can mean different things to different people. Variety is key to ensuring spaces and places are genuinely inclusive

Euston has always been a place where young businesses have been supported and given opportunities. This distinctive business culture should continue to be championed.

ney o gm n i d Spending time shouldn’t mean spen

er eV

i Lu

Give support for local residents and young people to start up new businesses. Ensure young people have affordable or free facilities.

Small affordable retail should be prioritised.

Build homes for the creative community and for local health workers

Be welcoming and safe

Use lighting as a way to communicate local identity and culture Art installations, pop-ups and lighting should be used to activate the masterplan

Where can the elderly go? Ensure that older residents are able to fully participate in public life and feel safe and welcome in the streets

Places should be welcoming so people feel at home ...nobody likes to feel over controlled

Streets considered from a

child’s perspective Make streets pleasant environments with trees and good architecture – safe and welcoming to everyone.

t’s in it for y Wha oun or younger child

The f re s play hou ld be a mix of 50

ren g people? and tee Mult nagers. i use games area?

where it f e m o S on’t feel safe wh eel s sa en t girls d h

fe ey c an’t s ee

for girls, e in the parks...

people their ag

3 Nature 52

Chapter 3. Nature We have heard positive things about individual spaces and pockets of nature across Euston and how valuable these are to local people. However, the ambition for a new place is one where nature has a bigger role to play, where it is at the heart of new development and central to what defines a new neighbourhood. The Euston OSD needs to have “Green around every corner”. This is not about one space but a network of interconnected, and diverse spaces. Journeys need to be through trees, routes should be green, and it doesn’t end with the open spaces – how buildings respond to this challenge can be just as important. The desire for a connection with nature and greenery responds to local ambitions to see a more environmentally focused, healthier part of the city, which can contribute to a sense of wellbeing. The station is surrounded by neighbourhoods with a strong sense of place, identity, and community and the Euston OSD needs to be a good neighbour to this: it needs to be “An edge with a neighbourhood feel”. Extending this neighbourhood feeling can be done with soft edges, with green walls and borders, new open spaces, and independent shops that contribute to the needs of its neighbours.

“The desire for a connection with nature and greenery responds to local ambitions to see a more environmentally focused, healthier part of the city”

An edge with a neighbourhood feel

Places and initiatives that encourage people to meet come together at the edges of the site It would be nice to see a green border to the development, it would make it feel distinct and new, welcoming and safe.

Transform and bring the “dead station wall” to life by opening shops which reflect a sense of community.

A long green wall along Eversholt Street would make it feel distinct and new, welcoming and safe.

Think creatively about how to reach the station roof. This could include slopes, parks, gentle approaches.

A linear park that leads you into the site?

A flow of greenery that entices you up to the roof!

Green around every corner

Building a network of smaller, characterful and diverse green spaces East-west fringes should provide neighbourhood spaces different to the bustle of the station.

Boulevards of trees. Plenty of attractive, usable spaces for leisure and wellbeing.

Green buildings, not just green spaces! Even the station could be green. Algae lamps instead of streetlamps?

Fe l

Little oases of open space, seating, and greening. I want to be able to lie on the grass in the sun, picnic, or linger on a bench...

...feeling welcome wherever I go

Trees should reflect nature. Wildness feels more inviting. A nature reserve on top of the station or one big park. A pond for greenery wildlife and animals. Not just open space but green space. Big trees not “matchsticks”. 67

4 Everday 68

Chapter 4. Everyday Whilst our conversations and debates often focused on ambitious and innovating ideas, it was recognised that this must be balanced with everyday necessities. It can be easy when thinking of the new to forget the “Everyday”. Communities want to create useful places and spaces, but also recognise the “Joy” that can be experienced through everyday activities. You do not need to be in a new cultural institution or visitor hotspot, a place can be good by being somewhere to spend 20 minutes, eat your lunch or sit and enjoy the city around you without having to spend money or actively participate. Everyday experience is not the same for everyone and that needs to be recognised and celebrated. We understand that it is not enough to meet minimum standards for accessibility, the Euston OSD needs to “Set the benchmark for accessibility”. This not only means thinking about how everyone can get to the roof, but also how it can be welcoming, inclusive and how an accessible development can be an inspiration. Chalton Street, Drummond Street and Mornington Terrace are roads that the community have told us they enjoy, and the Euston OSD should encourage more of – we need to design “Streets that People would choose to use”. These are streets that are active, have visual interest, are green, are family friendly and healthier alternatives to other routes.

“Everyday experience is not the same for everyone and that needs to be recognised, addressed and celebrated.” 69

The joy of everyday

Don’t forget the everyday. Ordinary is good. I want to know everyone on this street and the names of all the shop owners.

Squares and places to sit and enjoy the city. Take inspiration from European cities.

An open invitation to the roof.

FREE WIFI. FREE TOILETS. FREE CHARGING POINTS.

n Ke dy

s rd wa d hE

Space s youn g play v ideo g people fee l ames or use welcome t o their p hones .

Somewhere to sit and have lunch on the roof.

tocchi 2022

A place to spend 20 minutes. 73

A decent supermarket.

Newsagents, small grocers and small everyday shops should line the edges. A good mix and balance of independent shops and chains.

Day © Andy Kenneth Edwards 2022

24 hour shops reflective of Zone 1 location.

Night

A neighbourhood that meets the need of existing communities.

Streets that people would choose to use

Learn from Chalton Street – a popular route people choose as an interesting street with an enjoyable experience Use colour and vibrancy to bring footfall to Eversholt Street and its businesses.

ay 2 0

ca o l y b A rt

rtis

Simplicity of a local market for local people

Mun 2022

Streets can host Euston’s cultural and community activity making them busier and safer in the process

Family friendly streets

s o nce n up e i r e xpe pp Impromptu e a h i n gs t o h t g n i t s e r Inte

my long a n

daily journeys

outes d “playful” streets and school r n a tive y c ra to start the day in a positive wa te

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aces need to be as e p s njo p en ya o d ble n a

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Healthy places that people want to use.

2 cchi 20

eo Pato © Matt

Clean air and clean streets. 81

Setting a benchmark for accessibility

Ensure that everyone living in Euston, whatever their ability, whatever their age, whatever their culture or identity, and whatever their level of income is able to easily and fully access

Creating a truly inclusive society should be the norm

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Think carefully and creatively about how

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We hope the Ideas Book inspires you to continue to contribute. We welcome all involvement and input from the community as we bring forward our plans for the Euston OSD

Thank you to all the community groups, members, business owners and residents who have contributed their ideas to this book. Euston Resident Advisory Group Netley Primary School Hopscotch Women’s Centre Camden Peoples Theatre Camden Giving Camden Civic Society Euston; Somers Town Association of Businesses and Organisations / Cheezelo New Horizon Youth Centre Fitzrovia Youth in Action St Marys Church Ampthill Square TRA Hopscotch Women’s Centre UK Mexican Arts Society We are ageing better together Bengali Workers’ Association The Knowledge Quarter Partnership Drummond Street Neighbourhood Forum Local Globe Camden Town Conservation Area Committee Bengali Workers’ Association Euston Mosque Kings Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association

Quakers Friends House Urban Community Projects Regent High School Regents Park Conservation Area Committee Somers Town Community Association Euston Voices (Citizen Scientists) West Euston Partnership Mornington and Clarkson Row RA Clarkson and Mornington TRA Euston Town BID Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum Attitude is Everything Coram Fields Central Saint Martins Bio Organix Health Store The Place Dance Group Old Diorama Somers Town History Museum Ossulston TRA Camden Town Urban Design Improvement Society Urbed Park Villages Residents Association / Park Village Heritage Group Svelte Body Clinic Global Generation Year 7 students of Regent High School

Local Artists An expression of interest for people to engage and contribute to the Ideas Book was shared with local networks and organisations; with six Camden based artists selected.

Diana Foster, Artist, and Founder People’s Museum Somers Town I am an educator, artist, community activist, and I have lived in Somers Town for over 30 years. I am passionate about the area and its histories of ‘radicals, reformers and un-common people’! Through filming residents in 2013 I have developed a passion for its neglected histories. After a successful career as a Learning Designer, I now use skills for my social enterprise with creative projects including education for schools, participatory film making, such as the interactive film Spirit!

Rebecca Munday, Artist I am an upcoming artist with an interest in illustration, painting, and sculpture. As a Camden-based art student a lot of my inspiration originates from my life and adventures around the city, observing the world around in her accumulation of sketchbooks. The diverse culture and energy of Camden has been an endless source of inspiration for my work, and I was eager to take the opportunity to be part of this project and represent the local community and a place I love.

Matteo Patocchi, Photographer I am a photographer with a background in graphic design for print. My first visit to London began in Camden Town and little did I know that I would later become a resident of this vast and lively borough. The spontaneous observations of people, nature in my surroundings have influenced my work for a long time, and I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to a book celebrating the local community. 94

Luis De Vera, Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Photographer I am a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer born and raised in Manila, Philippines. My wife and I moved to London in late 2018. Since then, we have been Camden residents and experienced many milestones, including the birth of our first child. We enjoy the diverse culture Camden offers, especially the variety of cuisines represented. The diversity inspires me to be more thoughtful and inclusive in his work. I hope my contribution as an illustrator to the Ideas Book would help create an even better Euston and Camden for my growing family and larger community.

Andy Kenneth Edwards, Illustrator I’m Andy, an illustrator based in Kentish Town, and I create images full of energy, flair, and possibility. I illustrate people, places and a whole host of things in between, collaborating with industries from editorial to advertising and more. Working with the ideas of my community was a great chance to contribute to my local area positively. Originally from Wolverhampton, and without another Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter in sight, Camden has welcomed me to London and given me a sense of place away from my Midlands roots.

Flavia Felipe, Graphic Artist I am a graphic artist from Brazil, but I have been living in the UK for around 6 years. I define myself as a multidisciplinary artist who has worked on varied projects. Currently, my work is more focused on digital media where I explore collage as an illustrative and design making technique. I have a strong connection with Camden. I currently work as a nanny in the borough and I used to live nearby and take long walks in the neighbourhood. I also had English lessons at The Working Men’s College and have worked a couple of jobs in the area previously. Camden is so big and has many different aspects. I love it entirely from the busy Market to the bucolic Hampstead. 95

Disclaimer for inclusion in the Euston ideas book: The images contained within the ideas book are indicative only. Artists impressions are drawn from an imaginary viewpoint intending to give an impression of the Euston area. Neither the artists impressions or any other wording is intended to give an accurate reflection of any future developments at Euston, its setting or surroundings.

Copyright notice: All intellectual property rights reserved. The reproduction or transmission of all or part of the work, whether by photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means or otherwise, without the written permission of the owner, is prohibited. All artworks represented © The credited artists.

Keep in touch with the project at https://www.lendlease.com/euston/

Euston OSD Ideas Book

Articles inside

Green around Every Corner

Be Welcoming and Safe