Former names Arsenal Stadium Type Apartment complex Address Avenell Road, N5 Opened 2010 Town or city London Former name Arsenal Stadium | Alternative names Highbury Location Highbury Country England Cost 130 million GBP Construction started 2006 Architect Archibald Leitch | |
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Similar Arsenal Stadium, Arsenal tube station, Drayton Park railway st, Manor Ground, Highbury Fields | ||
Highbury Square is an apartment complex in Highbury, London. It was originally Arsenal Stadium: the home stadium of Arsenal F.C. until 2006 when they moved out and into the newly built Emirates Stadium nearby.
Contents
Map of Highbury Square, London, UK
History
The building was originally constructed in 1913 and designed by Archibald Leitch as Arsenal Stadium in the Art Deco style. It remained the home of Arsenal for 93 years until 2006, when they moved into the new Emirates Stadium.
The complex cost Arsenal £130 million to build. In 2009, Arsenal sold 150 apartments in Highbury Square to London & Stamford Property at a 20 per cent discount to market value because several buyers failed to complete apartment purchases. Arsenal cleared their debt on Highbury Square by 2010.
Redevelopment
The North Bank and Clock End were demolished while the older Grade II listed buildings of the East and West Stands remained as part of the development. The pitch was redeveloped into gardens. Several parts of Arsenal Stadium were retained including the marble halls, the bust of Herbert Chapman and the players' tunnel. It was opened officially in 2009, by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.
Details
Highbury Square has 650 flats. Former Arsenal player Robert Pirès owned one of the flats which was sold in 2015 by Century21 Estate Agents. Although it houses private residences, Highbury Square has a public footpath through it. Drainage issues in 2010 initially prevented this footpath from being opened, which led to it being called a "gated community" by local councillors.
Designed by Allies and Morrison, the renovation of the complex has been praised by critics for creating "a feeling of openness and nature" while also providing "protection and privacy". In 2009, Highbury Square's design won the MIPIM Special Jury Award.