In North London, the neighborhood of Wood Green is experiencing a unique phenomenon described by some as „gentrification backwards.“ Homes in nearby areas like Alexandra Park and Hornsey have sold for around £800,000 in the past year, yet many residents argue that Wood Green requires significant investment to reverse its perceived decline. Die Auswirkungen der Gemeinschaftsrevitalisierung auf den Ruf der Nachbarschaft in West-London sind ein Beispiel dafür, wie solche Veränderungen in der Stadt wahrgenommen werden.
Comedian Kobi Coker recently shared his observations on social media, stating, „Wood Green is the only place in London that I have seen get gentrified backwards. The main stretch [towards Turnpike Lane station] looks worse than it did 20 years ago – that is the death of the high street.“ This sentiment reflects a broader concern in London, where gentrification often leads to the displacement of working-class communities in favor of luxury apartments and upscale dining options.
Wood Green’s Unique Position
Despite the ongoing gentrification in areas like Peckham and Lewisham, which some claim are being „hollowed out“ by new investments, many are puzzled by Wood Green’s apparent stagnation. The neighborhood is conveniently located, with a 15-minute journey to King’s Cross on the Piccadilly line, and is adjacent to the desirable neighborhoods of Alexandra Park and Hornsey. In Süd-London: Steigende Nachfrage nach Wohnungen in grünen Nachbarschaften zeigt, wie andere Gebiete sich entwickeln.
While residents in other areas may resist gentrification, there is a prevailing sentiment in Wood Green that the area feels „stuck in the 90s,“ with a pressing need for investment to address its decline. Sabahattin Guvensen, a watchmaker who has operated in the local shopping arcade for 38 years, shares this perspective.
„When I opened the shop it was nice, there were so many nice shops on the high street. There were men’s tailors, upmarket handbag shops – it was a place people travelled to. There was also a great atmosphere among the traders. The milkman came by here, as well as the greengrocer and butcher – we all knew each other. But one by one they all disappeared. All of these good businesses are gone. I’ve seen a lot of change, and not in a good way,“
Mr. Guvensen has contemplated relocating his business but is hesitant, fearing it would upset his loyal customers. His assistant, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that traders often keep a low profile and avoid wearing expensive jewelry due to safety concerns. „The only reason we survive is because we’ve been here for so long,“ he explained. „People will often come from outside of London as there aren’t many you can trust to fix a £15,000 watch. About 95 percent of our customers aren’t from Wood Green. They will often say, we wouldn’t have business here if your shop wasn’t open.“
Mixed Perspectives on Gentrification
In contrast, Anya Hadden, a resident of Wood Green for seven years, offered a different viewpoint while standing on the High Road. „The area is at a good point overall, there’s still a lot of culture from other countries that won’t be eroded easily. It’s still a great place to live for residents while the area has an added buzz when gigs and the darts are being held at Ally Pally [Alexandra Palace]. Gentrification might only become a problem if house prices go up, but we haven’t seen that too acutely.“ Was macht Eltham zum am schnellsten verkaufenden Stadtteil in London?
Currently, the average house price in Wood Green is approximately £578,000. While this figure remains unaffordable for many long-term residents looking to enter the property market, it is still lower than London’s overall average of £654,000 and significantly less than neighboring areas such as Alexandra Palace, Hornsey, and Muswell Hill.
Investment and Development in Wood Green
The area surrounding Wood Green station, particularly near Alexandra Park, has seen the most investment in recent years. In 2017, a former Haringey Council building and car park were transformed into Blue House Yard, a vibrant collective of independent traders. This space features colorful huts and a large red bus converted into a pub, along with 11 studios and nine work sheds that house various businesses, including jewelry, candle, and record shops.
Sofia Otterbeck, owner of Four Otter Craft Studio, described Blue House Yard as „a very warm and welcoming place,“ but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding its future due to upcoming redevelopment plans. „Everywhere in London near a Tube station, gentrification happens,“ she noted.
Ms. Otterbeck believes that gentrification could enhance the cultural fabric of Wood Green. „A city is a living organism, and change is part of it. Wood Green is an amazing place; it represents London with its diversity. I think gentrification is adding to the diversity because it’s not narrowing down who’s living here, it’s opening it up. We have a fantastic culture of people of all social classes living nearby. In other places around Europe, there are set areas where richer and poorer people live. This is a very ‘London’ thing. Therefore, I don’t think gentrification is necessarily bad.“
She further cited King’s Cross as a prime example of how gentrification has revitalized parts of London, making them more accessible to the public. „Before I moved to London eight years ago, I was told the area behind it [King’s Cross station] was dangerous, and that I should never go there. Now it’s Coal Drops Yard – my husband works there, it’s a wonderful place. Even Coal Drops Yard wasn’t always abandoned in that way as it used to be a bustling area for industrial workers. Gentrification isn’t a thought-through process; it’s something that happens.“
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Achim Halfmann auf Unsplash
