Is this beloved north London haunt going to be closed down?

Rowans Tenpin Bowl has hosted many birthday parties, first dates and Friday nights out, but the last strike might be coming soon due to possible redevelopment plans.

The beloved bowling alley in Finsbury Park, north London, is under threat as Haringey Council reviews a new local plan which includes an idea to redevelop the site with as many as 190 flats.

There has been previous threats to the iconic entertainment venue, but, now, a newly released draft local plan has sparked outrage among locals.

A public consultation is asking residents whether they support the site allocation, with a deadline to respond set for December 19.

The council’s new local plan is supposed to set out a roadmap for how the borough will grow and change over the next 15 years.

According to the council’s website, the bowling alley site has been identified as being ‘potentially suitable for tall buildings.’

It also states that any proposals to that particular area should ‘preserve and enhance the character of the adjacent Stroud Green Conservation Area’ and ‘improve access and visual connection between the station and Finsbury Park.’

Locals have suggested that the bowling venue, which first opened in 1988, should become a listed building.

Back in 2014, locals fiercely opposed plans from the council to redevelop the site.

One year later, redevelopment plans consisting of 71 flats were released as part of the council’s 2015 local plan.

At the time, a petition against the redevelopment was signed by more than 5,000 supporters.

Rowans Bowling Alley has been allocated for redevelopment since 2017.

Cllr Sarah Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Haringey Council said: ‘We know that Rowans is a much-loved local space for our community and there are no proposals to replace it.

‘Should the owner of Rowans come forward at a future date with plans to redevelop the site, the Local Plan safeguards provision of community, culture and leisure facilities, including a bowling alley.

‘The Draft Local Plan, which is currently out for consultation, is the council’s 15-year vision for new buildings and development in the borough. It sets out a borough-wide framework for placemaking and complements the council’s overall vision for Haringey.’

There is no current proposal to knock down and replace Rowans Bowling Alley.

Metro has contacted Rowans Tenpin Bowl for comment.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Comments Add as preferred source