A festive celebration took place at 250 City Road to mark the unveiling of the final sculptures in the public courtyards, designed by one of the UK’s leading sculptors, Ian Rank-Broadley.
Ian Rank-Broadley was appointed to design three sculptures at 250 City Road in February 2018. The first of these (Men and Lock Gate) was installed in March 2020 and a second (Lady and Rope) and a third (Man Leading Horse) have now been put in place. With a nod to 250 City Road’s history, the theme for these sculptures was to reflect on the canal basin located on the site and the people who worked on it until it was ‘filled in’ in the 1950’s.
Ian Rank Broadley, who is best know for his work on the statue of Princess Diana in Kensington Gardens, spoke powerfully about the sculpture and links to the past “Bronze confers immortality on the subject. The Man Leading the Horse commemorates the lives of those who worked on the canals for a thousand years.”
The event also saw the switching-on of 250 City Road’s Christmas lights by London Borough Islington Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods Cllr John Woolf, a rendition of Christmas carols by students from King Square Nursery and a musical performance from R&B singer/songwriter Coffee! Following this formal opening of the public courtyard, residents were then treated to a ‘Winter Wonderland’ with food and drink stalls, a chance to meet Santa, arts and crafts stalls and much more.
Berkeley Capital Operations Director James Goldie, who opened the proceedings said “It was a pleasure to unveil Ian’s carefully considered sculptures which link us to 250 City Road’s rich history. I am delighted that we were able to celebrate this formal completion of the public courtyard with a festive celebration for the residents who make this new community so special.”
Formerly a business park, 250 City Road has now been fully built-out into a luxury mixed-use community with 954 homes (including 30% affordable), retail and office spaces and a nHow hotel. The total site includes 30% green open space and a range of facilities for residents a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool and spa, residents’ lounge, 24-hour concierge service and 7th floor rooftop terrace. For more information click here.
