Thank you to everyone who attended our first Highline Q&A, which you can watch here. We were blown away by the response; it’s one thing getting lovely comments one-by-one but having a room full of them coming at once was something special!
This also meant that we got way more questions than we could answer, but since then we’ve been hard at work doing so, and here they are! We had over eighty, so we’ve split them into themes and responded to similar ones in one go:
Access Rules
- Please could you confirm whether or not this will be a pedestrian only walk.
- Walkers and cyclists are mentioned but what about electric bikes and electric scooters?
- Are there opportunities for this to become a multi-modal corridor? ie cycling.
We responded to this live, so please see here for our full response. The quick answer is that we’re trying to avoid predetermining things ahead of consultation and design, but we’re live to the concerns around cycling.
- Will it be closed at night time or accessible 24/7?
- Will the Highline only be open during the day? Any plans for it to be open at night?
The Camden Highline is likely to follow Camden park open hours: 7:30am to dusk for normal access.
- boiling up bikes…what about wheelchairs and buggies?
Our intention is for the Highline to be accessible to all.
- Will dogs be allowed?
We’re not sure yet, as we’re trying to avoid predetermining things ahead of consultation and design.
- Will it be public, with rights to picknick, protest etc, or private, with its own bylaws and private security like many other ‘public’ squares?
The site will be leased from Network Rail, so will likely have some conditions on its use from the lease we agree with them.
- Have you any idea how many people the highline will be designed for and how will you control the numbers?
- How will you ensure that the Camden highline won’t succumb to the same problems as the NYC high line and be too popular?
- How will the increase in footfall in the area be managed? Whilst it is busy for cars it does not have anything like the amount of visitors as Camden market.
The capacity and operations of the Highline will be determined during the design and consultation phase. The context of Camden Highline is very different to that of New York both in density and the surrounds.
- Is it free of charge? And if not would it be for locals?
Yes, we aim for it to be free of charge for everyone; we’ll probably have some way of asking visitors for voluntary donations.
Delivery
- What are the aspirations on timetable and delivery for the project?
- Are you thinking of opening the Highline in stages, say starting at the Camden end (to Camden Road)?
- How long will the build/create phase last ideally?
We’re likely to open the Highline in three stages, though if we’re able to raise enough money we could look at doing more of it at once. Please see here for our live response.
- And do vPPR have any particular recent experiences on major public realm projects that they might like to reference — perhaps the Olympic Way at Wembley Park?
We have worked on a range of public space projects, the biggest of which is the Olympic Way at Wembley Park, which we took on from Dixon Jones, and the smallest of which is an amphitheatre in Higham Hill Park, Walthamstow.
- How wide will the Highline be at its widest? How much of the route is quite a narrow path?
The widest section is around 18 meters, adjacent to Camden Road station. The last part, on the approach to York Way is the narrowest.
- Who will do the planting? Who will maintain the green soft landscaping?
There will be a maintenance team that will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Highline. In addition to the staff maintenance team we could imagine the potential to welcome volunteers who have a green thumb and want to help with maintenance/gardening on the Highline.
- Lot’s of emphasis on the Camden Town end. Can you comment on plans at the much less established York Way end? Eg connect with KX N1C development? Otherwise Highline might peter out as it runs East.
It’s likely that the section running from Camden Gardens to Camden Road station will be the first to open, but we’re working towards a plan for the whole route. King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership is one of our key supporters, they contributed to the funding for this design stage and we’re in regular discussion with them.
Ecology
- There is a lot of talk about connecting with creative communities; how does the team aim to engage with other communities such as those of us who know of London’s natural environment. These spaces should not just be viewed as potential garden space, they are already wildlife habitat.
- James Corner, please could you provide some information on how you are actually going to undertake the ecological survey you referred to?
- Please could you give us an outline of how you are going to undertake the ecological assessment and importantly, how will this inform the development of this project.
- Has any ecological survey work been carried out yet re things like bats and reptiles in this footfall free area as it has been for many years.
The design team will be taking wildlife habitats into consideration during the community engagement, design and consultation process. We welcome input and knowledge from the local community during our engagement process. Our project scope allows for field observation of existing conditions, and we aim to have a diverse and maintainable palette that will be developed during the design and consultation phase. Also responded live here.
- Have you, and Atelier 10, considered SITES certification?
We are very familiar with the SITES certification. For this project we are entering a phase 01 Masterplan for the planning process and we are operating on a very constrained budget with all the consultants accounted for. We will be incorporating a sustainable design approach along with Atelier 10’s oversight for this Master Planning and planning stage.
- Hi James, have and the team considered integrating the green infrastructure elements with water management? Also considering of how trees can be integrated and the below ground solutions for that. Passive irrigation techniques can be incredibly useful in these types of designs
We will be assessing the existing site to see what is and isn’t possible and looking at ways to integrate green infrastructure into the project.
- how do you see the natural elements existing very close to running trains?
There will be careful consideration during the design phase for how we disperse and use planting along the Highline.
- Are the planting schemes intended to enhance local ecologies and habitat?
During the community engagement, consultation, and design phase the team will start to study the existing ecologies and how they can build on them while creating a diverse and exciting planting palette.
- Will rainwater be collected and reused?
The intention is to limit the amount of water that will leave the site. As the team starts the design and consultation process, they will get a better understanding on what is feasible regarding the water management in relation to the existing structure.
- Whilst I enjoy Piet Oudolf’s planting design style? why not select local/British talent? Are you sourcing native plants grown in the UK?
We will be looking at local plant sourcing opportunities.
Engagement
- Re Community involvement — have you already developed links and relationships with local groups. If so, who are they? And will you be establishing a new group exclusively for Camden Highline? How will groups be actively involved?
- Are you looking for volunteers? If so, for what roles?
- You mentioned community involvement in maintenance of the gardens. What’s the plan to build a Highline community, what are the lessons on that from NY (ps the Tote Bags are great already…)…
- Can you tell us how local communities will be actively involved?
- Would you be able to share any information on how people can get involved in this project either as volunteers or sharing our expertise?
We have a growing community of Camden Highliners: supporters who have helped, volunteered or donated to the Camden Highline. We regularly reach out to them with questions and behind-the-scenes updates and they’ll continue to be our community touchstone as the project moves forward. Donate, or sign up to volunteer here to get involved!
Finance
- Could you tell us how you plan to maintain the highline, once its finished, and how that will be financed?
- Wonderfully exciting project! Who will be in overall charge of maintenance of what is on the highline?
- Sorry if I missed this but what’s the estimated cost of creation and annual maintenance?
The Camden Highline is a charity and will be operated on a non-profit basis. Some of the funding raised for construction will be used to lock-in revenue streams to pay for maintenance, along with donations, possibly corporate philanthropy and other sources. The construction of each of the three sections will be around £10/12 million, maintenance costs will be firmed up as the design progresses.
- I’m a career railway engineer/manager, and as it happens my flat overlooks Camden Gardens. Can I help? Also, how realistic if you’re honest, is it to get this funded and what are the timescales?
- Would be great to hear more on how viable it is to get this funded.
Each step forwards makes the project more concrete and unlocks new funding doors for us. The initial feasibility study proved it possible, allowing us to raise funding for this design and planning stage. Once we have a detailed design and planning permission even more doors will open, but we’re knocking on some of those already!
- Just out of interest did you consider working with argent. I would presume they would have money available pretty much immediately.
Yes! Argent/The King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership have been long-term supporters of the project, and generously donated towards funding this design and planning stage, along with LabTech, Camden Town Unlimited, Camden Council and thousands of local people.
- Apart from the High Line in NYC what other exemplars are the team looking at for reference not just in terms of design but also in terms of operation and maintenance to ensure a long-term sustainable future for the Camden Highline project?
As part of our financial feasibility work we looked at the financial models of the Tate, V&A, Science Museum, Kew Gardens, Design Museum, the Royal Parks, and NY Highline.
Ground connections
- Engage Camden Council to plan Camley Street to be extended and widened to connect to Agar Grove to accommodate vehicles (emergency, local bus and taxis)? This in view of the new developments of Agar Grove Estate (ongoing) and Camley Street/Cedar Way Industrial Estate (plan)
- Is there a possibility of somehow linking the Highline to the area behind Kings Cross (Coaldrops etc.)? York Way and Camley Road aren’t great north-south links.
- Is there potential for going further East?
- How are you planning on integrating and embedding the Camden Highline into the larger network of green systems across London?
- I work at Brecknock Primary up the road from the highline. We’d love to build a mini wildlife corridor from school to the highline. Are there any associated groups who could work with us to do this?
- We just wanted to ask whether you are thinking about how the Highline could link with other green walks along the way? Are you aware of the Murphy’s yard development which is going to link Kentish Town with Hampstead Heath — can the Highline connect with that via a green route??
- Are there physical possibilities to extend the park further along the railway or elsewhere or the current extent is the end of it?
- How have you considered the highline as a wildlife corridor eg across to Hampstead Heath and London’s other green spaces?
We’re very keen to expand the Highline with complementary ground-level walking routes and wildlife corridors. One of the bonuses of using old infrastructure is that we’re right in the middle of things, with interesting places to go in each direction! See the green loop section here and the Onwards connections section here.
- Explore feasibility of linking proposed Highline directly to King’s Cross Central in collaboration with Camley Street Neighbourhood Development Plan (footbridge over, or tunnel under existing EMR and Eurostar railways?)
Anything’s possible with enough money, but both those options sound very expensive! Our reuse of existing infrastructure is what keeps the costs manageable, so we’re looking to avoid new structures as much as possible.
- There’s already a bridge over the railway lines at the Maiden Lane estate onto Camley Road, and as the council looks at redeveloping that area how can you make sure that they are integrated?
We’re working with Camden Council to make sure that the Camley Street entrance to the Highline is integrated with their plans.
- One amazing thing about the Highline, as with Maiden Lane Community Centre roof, is amazing sunset vistas from that perspective I imagine. Do you think there may be a viewing point opportunity there?
It’s an amazing space with an extraordinary view, there’s also a garden below which backs onto the tracks. We’ll be looking for opportunities to create connections between them. Also responded live here
- How will the spaces under the arches be utilised in the Camden project? How will the Camden Highline be kept vibrant and loved and well maintained?
- I know the Coulee Verte in Paris very well and love it! How will the spaces under the arches be utilised in the Camden project? How will the Camden Highline be kept vibrant and loved and well maintained?
Us too! We hope to be able to bring vacant arches back into use, but unfortunately, we don’t have a long string of arches like the Coulée Verte. There will be a maintenance team that will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Highline. In addition to the staff maintenance team we could imagine the potential to welcome volunteers who have a green thumb and want to help with maintenance/gardening on the Highline.
Inclusivity
- Can a project like this inspire surrounding developments. Was NY a catalyst for complementary initiatives?
- How will you ensure not to gentrify the soul of Camden?
- Echoing points on gentrification, how would the Highline project avoid further commercialisation of Camden and social displacement of local people?
- How will you ensure inclusivity and counter the park’s inevitable gentrification force?
Gentrification is a thorny issue that no-one has solved, but we’re lucky in that a lot of the land and properties surrounding the Highline is council owned. This ownership will protect tenants from rent increases and means that if the Highline makes property prices go up, it’ll be the council who benefit. We also plan to work with our sister charity Camden Collective, to provide free workspace for local start-ups around the Highline route.
- What are the plans at the mo around accessibility for those who are neurodiverse? And are people who identify as neurodiverse engaging in the process yet?
All of Street Space’s engagement is designed with inclusion and accessibility as the main focus and in order to do this we start where local people are, build relationships first and listen to understand the different needs and aspirations for engagement and creative ways for people to get involved and accommodate neurodiverse people. If there’s a particular local group you would like to put us in touch with around accessibility and neurodiverse people, we’d be more than happy to reach out.
- How will you advertise the Highline so that people from all backgrounds hear about it and realise it is for them?
Our focus for community engagement will be to start building relationships with the estates that lie alongside the highline route, working with the young producers and their own networks to create an engaging programme of activities and events to appeal to people living locally from different backgrounds and of all ages. In our experience this approach works really well in not only reaching people who’ve not heard of projects happening locally but also creates opportunities for people to meaningfully shape design elements ensuring projects like the Highline are for them.
- The design competition brief stated the Highline must be accessible to all. How is this reflected in your design?
We haven’t started designing yet, so can’t outline that until we do! Sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of the website and you’ll be the first to know when we start getting feedback on design concepts.
Security
- This is very dramatic, but we live in Camden which also is characterised by drug pushing and knife attacks. In the light of this week’s murder, how will you ensure security and safety?
- This area will be what it will how will the user safety element be arranged.?
- This sounds so desirable and stimulating. What will make it a safe space to walk through alone at various times of the day?
Camden Town Unlimited is the Business Improvement District for Camden Town, and has been spearheading the Highline (find out more here). Since 2006 it has been keeping an eye on crime in Camden Town and will bring this experience to the Highline.
- Access & security to the proposed Highline: Opening times; 24/7? Access and use as a footpath only or cyclists (including electric bikes) too? Emergency vehicle access? Lighting scheme. Lights to be shielded off from impacting people’s living spaces along the proposed Highline? Security patrol; dedicated, like King’s Cross Central, or local community (Camden).
All of these factors mentioned will be determined during the community engagement, design and consultation phase. Lighting will play a huge part in the safety and mood of the space. As the design develops, there will be careful consideration to ensure lighting does not adversely affect the neighbors. Security is very important for the Highline and it will need to be a safe and accessible space for visitors.
Art
- Are there plans for public art (beyond Huw Locke’s installations!) from local voices on the Highline, and if so, what will the process be for tender?
It’s too early to be sure about a tendering process, but we’re keen on doing as much cultural activity up there as possible, including works by local artists.
Historical assets
- Have you considered retaining elements of the railway infrastructure and integrating them into the design, e.g. if there are old railway lines or ironwork that can be integrated?
- Could you have a walkway with audio tours of Camden history, or with plaques in the walkway celebrating those who have lived and do live in Camden? A great way to engage people in local history, with so much knowledge out there, and so many experiences to be shared. Oral history could be a part of this. I am biased, I am a historian.
The Camden Highline has an incredible heritage potential and is a great place to showcase the industrial heritage of Camden and its later transition to a cultural hub, as well as the ecological importance of the linear green spaces around roads and rail. With the physical constraints of the site, we’ll have to be smart about how we do this, using technologies like augmented reality and audio tours. Live response here.
- Will any of the process be used as a tool and template for how to apply some of these ideas elsewhere in Camden/London?
We’re documenting what we’re up to and happy to help wherever we can!
Utilities
- Will there be any digital tools to engage with the Highline? Digital sensors for wildlife? Footfall Data to have an understanding of public coming to visit the Highline?
- Congratulations to the winning team! I was wondering if you are thinking of including sensors to monitor and help the management of the green spaces?
We measure footfall in Camden Town and hope to do the same on the Highline. The physical constraints of the site means that it’s a great place to test using new technology to expand the reach of the project. Also responded live here.
- Can I ask what facility for toilets will there be? If none, where will be nearest public toilets to the entry staircases?
There are constraints on the site that make toilets tricky and expensive, though the design team may come up with some ingenious ideas. There are public toilets in Hawley Wharf, Camden Road and Coal Drops Yards.
- There are historic drinking fountains sited close to two of the proposed entrances to the Highline. Reinstating these historic drinking fountains, helping us cut our dependence on single use plastic bottled water, would benefit both the local community and the wider environment.
We’re too early in the design journey to know the feasibility of reinstating those fountains. Sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of the website and you’ll be the first to know when we start getting feedback on design concepts.
Design
- Can the ‘hope’ sign be kept on the Bridge? It’s rather nice.
It’s early days so no promises, but I don’t see why not!
- Would you consider metal donation plaques which could be inserted into the floor similar to that on some beach piers. It’s always beautiful to read the messages of marriage and celebration and history.
Yes, we’ll definitely be thanking our donors and supporters on the route in some form.
- How will the bridge both sit next too and be different too the aesthetic at coal drops yard area.
This will emerge as the design does, but the handy thing about the length of the Highline is that the design can change along its length to fit into the local area.
- I’m interested in how you are thinking about balancing lighting for poetic effect, and safety, and the dark skies movement to protect wildlife, many rely on the dark to thrive, and for us to see stars
As we work through the design the lighting will be taken into careful consideration to provide safety and mood, while also taking into account the wildlife.
- I wonder if there is scope for another walking/cycling connection over the railway lines?
Decking over, or otherwise messing with railway infrastructure is hugely expensive, so something like this would be outside of the Highline’s scope. There are a lot of dimensional constraints on the Highline site that we need to work around, but we’re very keen to expand the scope of the project with complimentary ground-level walking and cycling routes.
- Are there concerns with immediate pedestrian access to adjacent active rail and how will this be mitigated?
There will be a barrier that will separate the trains from pedestrians.
- Is the Highline a green line between two attractive destinations or a principally a park in the sky for Camden Town? KX is in Camden Borough but has a different vibe from CT
We hope it will be both of those! New local green space for residents and workers and a new experience walk between Camden Town and King’s Cross. With the length of the park we have the space to make the vibe fit with the area its passing.
- How are you going to address the interaction between the passing trains and quiet nature place?
We will be addressing this during the design process, but we will need to provide a safe barrier between the two. Also responded live here.
- How will it be decided how to landscape the Highline, e.g. themes? Will there be opportunities to involve local people in gardening? Including schools?
We welcome involvement from all! As the project progresses, we will be doing even more outreach to the community. We’ve been running educational workshops in local schools, using the Highline as a practical example to teach STEAM subjects.
- What lessons have you learned from the Skyline in New York?
We learned a lot of lessons from the Highline in New York. A lot of dealing with complicated existing conditions and getting a landscape to work in an urban and constrained environment.
- Re sensory impact: can you incorporate moving water?
As the team works through the community engagement, design and consultation process they will be looking into various ways to enhance and animate spaces. There are challenges with moving water, such as budgets and maintenance costs, but we have not ruled out anything yet!
