A familiar rumble of bowling balls, the joyous shouts of a birthday party, the nervous energy of a first date – these are the sounds that could soon fade from Finsbury Park. Rowans Tenpin Bowl, a local landmark for over three decades, is facing a potential demolition as redevelopment plans loom large.
Haringey Council is currently reviewing a new local plan that designates the bowling alley’s site as potentially suitable for a massive housing project: up to 190 new flats. This isn’t the first time Rowans has been threatened, but the release of the latest draft plan has ignited a fresh wave of concern and outrage among residents who cherish this community hub.
The council’s vision for the next fifteen years includes identifying areas for growth and change, and Rowans, surprisingly, has been flagged as a location for “tall buildings.” However, the plan also acknowledges the need to protect the character of the nearby Stroud Green Conservation Area and improve connections to Finsbury Park – a delicate balance that many believe is impossible to achieve with large-scale development.
Opened in 1988, Rowans quickly became a beloved fixture in the neighborhood, hosting countless celebrations and casual outings. Locals are now rallying to protect it, with some even suggesting the bowling alley deserves to be recognized as a listed building, safeguarding its future for generations to come.
This isn’t a new battle. Back in 2014, residents fiercely fought off initial redevelopment proposals. A year later, plans for 71 flats surfaced, prompting a petition that garnered over 5,000 signatures from passionate supporters determined to save their bowling alley.
The current situation stems from a 2017 allocation for redevelopment, but the council maintains there are no immediate plans to knock down Rowans. According to a statement, any future proposals would need to incorporate community, culture, and leisure facilities, including the possibility of retaining a bowling alley.
Despite these assurances, the uncertainty remains. A public consultation is underway, giving residents until December 19th to voice their opinions on the site allocation. The future of Rowans hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of how quickly cherished local spaces can be threatened by the relentless march of development.
The question now is whether the community’s collective voice will be enough to preserve a piece of Finsbury Park’s history and ensure the continued sound of strikes and spares for years to come.
