Engagement Outcome and Project Update

Thank you to everyone who took part in the engagement on the proposed security improvements for 8-54 Duncan Street.

The engagement was open between 28 May and 28 June 2026 and invited feedback from residents, businesses and other local users of the area.

What we heard

We received feedback from residents, businesses and other local stakeholders. Overall, respondents expressed strong support for the proposed security improvements. Of the Let’s Talk responses received, 86% supported the proposals, with residents overwhelmingly in favour of measures designed to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour.

The most commonly supported elements of the scheme were:

Relocating the entrance gates closer to the street.

Improving visibility into communal entrance areas.

Removing hidden and recessed spaces that can attract anti-social behaviour.

Providing more secure waste storage arrangements.

Creating a safer and more welcoming environment for residents.

Residents told us that the proposals would help address issues including loitering, drug-related activity, rough sleeping and other forms of anti-social behaviour that have affected the area.

Feedback from businesses

Businesses generally supported the overall objective of improving security and reducing anti-social behaviour. However, concerns were raised about the design and location of the proposed bin enclosures, including their potential impact on the appearance of the walkway, shopfront visibility and pedestrian movement.

A detailed written submission proposing an alternative design approach was shared via a petition and reviewed by the project team and Islington Architects. The suggestions were carefully considered alongside project objectives, accessibility requirements, technical constraints and available funding.

Council Response

Following a review of all feedback received, the Council has considered:

The strong overall support for the proposals.

The need to address persistent anti-social behaviour affecting residents.

Accessibility requirements for all users.

Technical advice from Islington Architects.

Input from the Council's Inclusive Design Officer, Waste Team and Community Safety Officers.

While alternative waste storage arrangements were explored, these would require substantial redesign work, additional surveys and increased project funding. Alternative options could also create accessibility challenges for some residents and delay delivery of the security improvements.

Project Decision

Following consideration of the engagement findings, ward councillors have agreed that the project should proceed as currently designed.

The approved scheme includes:

Making residential entrances more visible through the removal of existing bin cupboards and installation of new fencing and bin enclosures.

Reducing recessed entrance areas through the installation of a second set of security gates and an intercom system at the front of each entrance area.

The gates and bin enclosure improvements will be delivered together as a single project because both elements are considered necessary to achieve the project's overall aim of reducing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and improving community safety.

What Happens Next?

The project team will now move forward with delivery planning and procurement activities.

The next stages of the project are expected to include:

Final design sign-off.

Appointment of a contractor.

Confirmation of the construction programme.

Ongoing updates to residents and businesses as delivery progresses.

Subject to procurement and statutory approvals, we currently expect to appoint a contractor in early 2027 with construction anticipated in Summer 2027. These dates remain indicative and may change as the project progresses.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the engagement. Your feedback has helped inform the final decision and will continue to be considered as the project moves into delivery.