Key facts
- HS2 construction will permanently remove 14,404 sq meters of green space and playgrounds from the Holborn and St Pancras constituency.
- St James's Gardens, an 18th-century burial ground and site of importance for nature conservation, is under threat.
- Lendlease plans to deliver up to 1,500 homes, including affordable ones, and public spaces on the Euston site.
- The definition of 'affordable housing' in the development is set at 80% of current market rates, not social housing.
- The Holborn and St Pancras byelection is contested by Labour and the Green party.
Disappearing green spaces and housing developments have become central issues in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, set to be contested by Labour and the Green party on Thursday. The seat was vacated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
HS2 construction and surrounding developments will permanently remove 14,404 square meters of green space and playgrounds from the constituency, with more areas closed off during work. St James's Gardens, an 18th-century burial ground designated as a site of importance for nature conservation, is the largest park under threat.
HS2 Ltd had initially committed to replacing the lost green space with a new park on a concrete deck above the railway tracks. However, government cost-cutting measures have led to the cancellation of this replacement park. Responsibility for the site now involves public planners and private developer Lendlease, which is preparing plans for commercial spaces and homes.
Camden council is currently reviewing Lendlease's proposals, with a decision anticipated next year. Residents like Dorothea Hackman and Alice Brown of Climate Emergency Camden have expressed concerns about the permanent loss of green areas, the limited provision of truly affordable housing (defined as 80% of current market rates), and the impact on family-sized housing and local school enrollment.
Frustrations with Camden Labour's local policies, perceived as prioritizing development over residents' interests, could influence the byelection outcome. While Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, expressed doubt about the Green party's chances, some local activists believe Zack Polanski, the Green party leader standing in the constituency, could be a strong contender if elected.