Finsbury Estate Regeneration

Case Studies - Finsbury Estate Regeneration

Project Overview

Zack Contractors were appointed as the Principal Contractor for the Finsbury Estate Regeneration project, part of the London Borough of Islington’s ongoing investment in improving communal spaces and waste infrastructure across its residential estates. Located in Clerkenwell, this scheme aimed to modernise a dated estate landscape while enhancing functionality, accessibility, and visual quality for residents.

Zack Contractors undertook the full programme of hard and soft landscaping works, including demolition, bin store installation, and public realm enhancement. The works were carried out within an occupied housing estate, requiring sensitive phasing and continual
stakeholder liaison.

Client:
Location:
Duration:

Islington Borough Council
Finsbury Estate, Islington, London
10 weeks

Services Provided

Full removal of existing hard landscaping, including surfacing, edgings, and paved areas
Demolition of existing bin store structures, including below-ground slab and foundations
Supply and installation of metroSTOR bin storage units from Streetspace, including
groundworks, footings, and service coordination
Installation of a bespoke stainless steel planter supplied by Kinley Systems to enhance the estate’s landscaping features
Installation of conservation kerbs in keeping with the surrounding historic streetscape
Construction of new asphalt surfaces, including footpaths, car parking areas, bin access areas, and shared-use zones
Soft landscaping works, including topsoil preparation, planting beds, and new boundary treatments
Coordination with Islington Council waste services and landscape design consultants

Project Challenges

Delivering works in a live residential environment, with limited access and close proximity to occupied dwellings
Ensuring resident access and fire route clearance was maintained throughout
Removal of legacy structures and below-ground obstructions
Installation of large-scale bin stores within constrained courtyard spaces
Working to tight programme deadlines driven by local authority budgetary cycles

Gallery

Our Approach

01

Detailed Site Phasing
Developed a phased programme that maintained continuous pedestrian access, waste collection operations, and emergency access throughout the works.

02

Safe Demolition Practices
Employed methodical soft-strip and demolition techniques for bin store removal, ensuring minimal disruption to neighbouring blocks.

03

Specialist metroSTOR Installation
Delivered precise setting out and installation of metroSTOR bin stores in accordance with Streetspace specifications, including pre-pour base preparation and fixings.

04

Installation of Bespoke Planters
Coordinated the supply and installation of a bespoke stainless steel planter from Kinley Systems, ensuring careful integration into the soft landscaping scheme to provide a high-quality focal point and enhance communal amenity.

05

Heritage-Sensitive Design
Installed conservation kerbs to match local authority requirements, preserving the character of the estate and adjacent conservation area.

06

Robust Hard Landscaping
Laid new asphalt surfacing and edging to ensure a durable, accessible environment suited to long-term communal use.

07

Soft Landscaping and Finishing
Prepared and planted new green spaces to enhance amenity and promote biodiversity within the estate.

08

Stakeholder Engagement
Maintained close consultation with residents and the housing association throughout the project to keep all stakeholders informed and updated on progress, works sequencing, and access arrangements.

09

Resident Communication
Issued regular updates, maintained a site liaison presence, and coordinated closely with Islington’s housing and landscape teams to minimise inconvenience to residents.

Outcomes

High-Quality Public Realm Delivery. The completed works significantly improved the usability and appearance of the estate, with a clear upgrade to both functionality and aesthetic value.
The installation of metroSTOR units provided secure, accessible, and compliant refuse and recycling facilities tailored to estate needs.
Residents and local housing officers reported satisfaction with the improved layout, clearer access routes, and enhanced green space.
All works were delivered in line with the client’s target programme and budget constraints, despite access and logistical challenges.
The regeneration works have contributed to a more resilient and maintainable public space, reducing future maintenance burden for the client.