North London Gardens

New railings protect and enhance North London Gardens.

A garden area between two blocks of apartments in Islington, North London, has been enhanced by new railing and gates.

A garden area between two blocks of apartments in Islington, North London, has been enhanced by new railings and gates from Alpha Rail. The new railings and gates were needed to provide greater security and improve the aesthetics of the area for local residents.

As the apartments – known as Branston and Rollitt – are located close to the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club, the area often becomes busy on weekends and evenings and residents have in the past been disturbed by supporters entering the gardens.

Groundwork North London specified 20 metres of 2.2m high railings and five sets of decorative gates to provide greater privacy and security in the area, on behalf of Islington Council.

To add interest and appeal, Groundwork North London created an eyecatching decorative design for in-between a number of the railings, which depicts a climbing shrub. Alpha Rail, used its design-assist services to create a technical specification from the original brief, ready for manufacture.

Ai Hishii, Landscape Architect at Groundwork North London, explains: “We were looking for a specialist company that could assist us with the design of the railings, as well as being able to manufacture and install them to suit our specifications. Alpha Rail was able to meet all these requirements, providing the technical assistance necessary to make our original designs into a reality. The council’s aim was to enhance security in the area, as well as making it more aesthetically pleasing, we feel this has been achieved perfectly.”

The Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer then supplied the railings and gates with a high quality powder coated finish to provide weatherproofing and advanced performance. The works on site were carried out by main contractor Hickman Brothers Landscapes Ltd.

The overall effect is stunning, as Phil Ball, Sales Director of Alpha Rail explains: “This was a really interesting project to be involved with. It just shows how important railings are not only to make an area more secure, but also how they can add to the aesthetics. These railings certainly enhance the local area and will bring major benefits to local residents.”

Alpha Rail worked closely with contractor Hickman Brothers. This included site survey and installation to meet the project’s strict timescales.

Alpha Rail has over 25 years’ experience in urban regeneration, green space and park restoration. The company provides a bespoke service for architectural metalwork and has supplied many prestigious projects as well as many new and refurbished housing estates with new gates and railings, making a real difference to the local community.