Holloway Hinterland

Holloway Road (the A1) connects South Islington (Upper Street and Highbury Fields) to the North of the borough (Archway and Highgate). To those passing through it may seem like the area lacks identity, but for us who live here it is a thriving, vibrant and diverse community where people from all over the world have found a home.

In the 1970's a group of local people got together to secure buildings for community use. They squatted in the Old Fire Station and became the Holloway Neighbourhood Group. Now, 50 years later the charity has become a central pillar for the community, providing services to support people, adapting, changing and expanding to meet the next crisis (from mental health to food poverty and cost of living to digital exclusion).

The iconic fire station building has been adapted from its original use to provide spaces for free community classes including chair yoga, dance, creative writing and art as well as adult learning classes provided by Islington Council and the GLL. It is home to Somali Education Centre and the Eritrean Community in the UK as well as the many other community groups who deliver activities from the centre.

Holloway Heritage Walk

Holloway and the junction at Seven Sisters don't often make the 'must see' lists, but it's an area with a rich and colourful past and architecture to prove it. Look up above the ground floor - chain coffee shops and discount stores - to reveal incredible buildings, that give a glimpse into how London has evolved and changed over time.

This unique walking tour has been developed with our community and is packed with real stories told to us by local people who lived it.

Walks will last around 1 hour, starting and ending at The Old Fire Station community centre.