Duncan Street: Security Improvements

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Security improvements to the communal residential entrances at 8–54 Duncan Street

Islington Council is developing proposals to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour around the raised walkway and communal residential entrances at 8–54 Duncan Street.

These proposals respond to concerns raised by residents, businesses and ward councillors about persistent anti-social behaviour around the four recessed entrance areas. While it is not possible to eliminate such behaviour entirely, the aim of this project is to deter it through targeted design improvements and clearer management of the space.

Funding has been allocated by local ward councillors Cllr Martin Klute, Cllr Rosaline Ogunro

Security improvements to the communal residential entrances at 8–54 Duncan Street

Islington Council is developing proposals to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour around the raised walkway and communal residential entrances at 8–54 Duncan Street.

These proposals respond to concerns raised by residents, businesses and ward councillors about persistent anti-social behaviour around the four recessed entrance areas. While it is not possible to eliminate such behaviour entirely, the aim of this project is to deter it through targeted design improvements and clearer management of the space.

Funding has been allocated by local ward councillors Cllr Martin Klute, Cllr Rosaline Ogunro and Cllr Toby North to develop and deliver the works, at no cost to residents or businesses.

We have worked with Islington Council’s Estate Services, Community Safety, and Waste and Recycling teams, alongside Islington Architects, to develop the proposals.


The proposals

The project focuses on two main improvements:

  1. Making the residential entrances more visible from the pavement level and the raised walkway by removing the current bin cupboards and replacing them with fencing. New bin shelters would be added in a way that does not block views.
  2. Reducing recessed entrance areas by introducing a second set of security gates and an intercom system in front of the existing gates, bringing the entrance line forward and discouraging loitering.

The drawings below show the existing arrangements and how the proposals could change the area. These are illustrative and are intended to help you understand how the space may look. Please note that the proposals may change as the project progresses.




How to give your feedback

We are now seeking feedback from residents and ground‑floor businesses before finalising the designs. Please use the online survey below.

All feedback will be reviewed, anonymised, and used to help refine the final designs where possible.


Next steps

  • Following the close of the engagement, the project team will review responses and finalise the designs, taking technical, safety and budget considerations into account.
  • A summary of feedback and responses will be shared on this page.
  • Subject to final design sign-off and procurement, we currently expect to secure contractors and required permissions in Autumn 2026, with construction anticipated in late 2026 or early Spring 2027.

Timings will be kept under review, and updates will be provided as the project progresses.


If you require this information in an alternative format, or need support to take part in the engagement, please contact us.

For further information about the project, please contact:


Eleanor Brooke
Project Manager
Eleanor.brooke@islington.gov.uk



  • Engagement Outcome and Project Update

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    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:

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

    1. 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.

    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:

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

    1. 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.

Page last updated: 01 Oct 2026, 04:12 PM