Location: London, England

Grey to Green: Reimagining a Shopping Centre’s Outdoor Space as an Urban Oasis - Angel Central, Islington, London

Angel Central, in the heart of Islington, was once a dull, lifeless plaza of grey paving, lacking vibrancy and joy.

Greenwood-Hill was entrusted with transforming it into a dynamic urban oasis—an inviting, flexible space for markets, events, and community gatherings.

We believe that nature nourishes the soul—it delights, surprises, heals, and inspires.  Our vision was to immerse visitors in greenery, whether they were passing through, attending an event, meeting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.  The design embraces the principles of Biophilic Design, bringing nature into everyday urban life.

Rather than a few scattered plants, we introduced hundreds of terracotta pots filled with lush greenery, small trees, and flexible seating.  Arranged in clusters of varying sizes, these elements create welcoming spaces for relaxation and connection.

The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity — human-scaled, intimate, and inviting. Combined with a vibrant programme of community events, this transformation has revitalized the plaza, fostering engagement and a newfound sense of place.

This project reflects Greenwood-Hill’s core values and ethos — creating meaningful, sustainable spaces that enhance well-being and strengthen community ties.  Its impact has been widely celebrated, winning the Islington in Bloom Gold Award 2023 and the London in Bloom Gold, Business Landscape of the Year 2024, recognizing its outstanding contribution to urban greening.