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You may have spotted the uproar over Rowan’s Tenpin Bowl being ‘under threat’ over the last few days. The outcry is in response to the publication of Haringey Council’s Draft Local Plan, which has suggested that the Rowans site is ‘potentially suitable for tall buildings’ and could be used for a ‘high-density, mixed-use development’. The good news is that nothing’s set in stone, and the council wants your opinion.
Haringey’s draft plan lays out a vision for how the borough could change and grow over the next 15 years. It proposes that the land that Rowans sits on could be used to build 190 new homes in the future. The final decision is down to the owner of the land, but the council says that any plans must ensure ‘an appropriate leisure/community facility use to replace the existing Rowans bowling alley must be provided at the foot of the new buildings’.
Like we said, nothing is set in stone but locals are not pleased at the prospect of losing such a beloved institution. Ed McIlroy, owner of Finsbury Park’s The Plimsoll, wrote in an Instagram post: ‘To say that Rowan’s is a jewel in the crown is an understatement. It is the entire crown, potentially the entire head and torso of the beast. It is the perfect cross section of London and the most incredible balance of the best and worst night out you have ever had.’
Given the uproar, Rowan’s released a statement to assure people that it’s not going anywhere for now. Its post read: ‘Firstly we have no short term plans to change. Secondly we understand the opportunity that redevelopment could offer to Finsbury Park and our community.
‘Thirdly we support the allocation of leisure facilities within any redevelopment scheme. Fourthly any redevelopment schemes are in the mid to long term therefore there are no immediate or short term plans.’
Cllr Sarah Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for Housing and Planning at Haringey Council. said: ‘We know that Rowans is a much-loved local space for our community and there are no proposals to replace it.
‘Should the owner of Rowans come forward at a future date with plans to redevelop the site, the Local Plan safeguards provision of community, culture and leisure facilities, including a bowling alley.’
You can share your thoughts on Haringey’s proposal here. The consultation closes on Friday, December 19.
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