abstract
| - Built in the late 1960's, the De Beauvoir lies on former industrial land immediately to the north of the Regent's Canal. The canal forms the estate's southern border, with Downham Road forming the northern boundary. Southgate Road and Whitmore Road provide approximate western and eastern boundaries respectively (although one of the estate's tower blocks, Lancresse Ct, lies to the east of Whitmore Rd). The estate consists of five tower blocks of similar design - Rozel Court, Lancresse Court, Granville Court, Corbiere House and one other - and a number of lower-rise, interlocking maisonette blocks. The estate is also equipped with a small arcade of shops, and originally boasted a library as well as other amenities. The estate's colour scheme - rich chocolate brown brick, white woodwork and yellow spandrels - together with its canalside location, give the De Beauvoir a distinctive visual character. It is also unusual among London council estates by virtue of being located in what many would consider a relatively attractive area. The estate is close to fashionable Shoreditch and Islington, within walking distance of the City, and surrounded by the sought-after Victorian streets of De Beauvoir Town. The estate has an active tenants association, chared by Natasha Hodson, and supported by local councillors. For more information on what's happening in the De Beauvoir area, visit the local councillor website on www.debeauvoircouncillors.blogspot.com.
|