London’s proposed Camden Highline has been submitted for planning. Led by the practice behind the New York High Line, James Corner Field Operations, and Camden-based firm vPPR Architects, the project will regenerate a disused railway viaduct to establish an elevated park that connects Camden Town to Kings Cross. 

The master plan will create walking routes between local neighborhoods and inject needed green space across a mix of communities. It will feature gardens, walkways, seating areas, cafés, arts and cultural interventions, spaces for charitable activities, and play areas for children. The initiative also aims to boost the region’s biodiversity by providing wildlife habitats for birds, insects, and animals. 

“We are extremely excited to share this design vision for Camden Highline,” said Lead Designer James Corner. “The design is intended to celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct, dramatizing movement and discovery, set within a sequence of woodlands, meadows, and gardens.”

The route is designed to have a circular application of materials and construction, in which the existing space is revitalized through the use of reclaimed materials from the site wherever possible. It will span nearly a mile and rise a little over 26 feet off the ground. In Camden, the Highline will travel through some of the region’s most densely populated social housing estates, connecting 20,000 people to new green space. It is also predicted to attract up to two million visitors a year, with close to $20 million set to head towards Camden Town and Kings Cross. 

The submission includes the first phase of the master plan, spanning from Camden Gardens to Royal College Street. It will open in phases starting in 2025. This marks a major milestone for the project, which originated as a concept in a local newspaper in 2017 and grew through a crowdfunding campaign. 

Throughout the planning process, the design team worked closely with community consultation organization Street Space in order to maximize local engagement. In addition to James Corner Field Operations and vPPR Architects, the team includes Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf and artist and curator Hew Locke. The master plan will also feature lighting design by Speirs Major and typography and wayfinding by design agency Pentagram. 

The Camden Highline is set to be the centerpiece of a greater public realm strategy, Camden Green Loop, which aims to connect Camden’s key landmarks and existing green spaces through public pathways. The eponymous charity behind the project is now fundraising for construction. Donations can be made on their website here, along with access to more information and updates. 

“The design team led by Field Operations have surpassed our already high expectations and there is no doubt that The Camden Highline will be a beautiful park in the sky,” said Camden Highline CEO Simon Pitkeathley. “Now the real challenge is to raise the funds to build it so that we can all benefit. This will involve a collaborative effort from a range of funding sources, and we would like to talk to anyone who thinks they might be able to help.”