Wood green research:

Wood Green gained municipal independence from Tottenham in 1894 and has had a local government headquarters ever since, now in the form of Haringey’s civic centre. In the early decades of the 20th century almost all the remaining gaps were filled by middle-class houses in the north, working-class terraces in the south and factories near the railway lines.

After the Second World War the retailers on the High Road began to outperform all their nearby rivals and by the mid-1960s Wood Green had become the north London’s most important shopping destination.

Among the Wood Green area’s many ethnic communities, the largest groups are Turkish, black African (especially Somali) and black Caribbean.

what the people in Wood Green think about the area?

"I love vibrant Green Lanes, with an array of Turkish restaurants, variety of shops and the amount of small parks in the area."

says Joe

"I love being surrounded by green spaces and large gardens. I love to be around malls where I can find everything I need. Wood Green is a multicultural neighbourhood, there are several shops from around the world and a wide variety of products."

says Ana

Wood Green is an established residential area and well known for its bustling Shopping City and parades of shops along the High Road as well for the nearby Alexandra Palace and Park. It contains a number of late 19th century and early 20th century housing estates as well as post-war and more recent developments.

It’s very vibrant and multi-cultural. There are areas with good restaurants, there’s Wood Green Shopping City a shopping centre that people come to even if they don’t live in the area — and Alexandra Palace is absolutely lovely, especially in the summer.

something which makes Wood Green unique;

Alexandra Palace. Honestly, that is our little treasure — even just to look at it, it’s so beautiful. It sits right up on top of the hill and you can see it from most places in the Green.

https://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/where-to-live/wood-green-area-guide-b949161.html

what I found interesting about the Wood Green area was the contrast of architecture, for example there were a lot of victorian houses lined up, but on their lower ground level are shops, or restaurants much more modern architecture. I thought this contrast was relevant, it's the area still connecting to their history, and blending it with the present.

another thing I picked up on in the area was the people, I loved seeing the variety of people, everyone was on a mission, no one seemed out of place. Alexandra place is very close to this area, so there are a lot of parks and fields just a couple minutes from the centre.

I also think the contrast between rural and urban ism interesting, I grew up in the suburbs, so im very close to felids and places to walk, but on the other hand I also have the city just a train ride away. obviously everyones different but I think it is vital to have some sort of rural areas near where you live. when growing up you want to be able to run around, release your energy, same when your having a moment and need some nature, somewhere to walk, its a great privilege to have that near you.

Mental health and nature:

Alexandra Park is thought of as the ‘lungs’ of North London, improving our air quality and offering one of the best views in London to enjoy it.

70% of UK adults reported that being close to nature improved their mood, demonstrating the positive impact of engaging with nature on our mental health.

https://www.themall.co.uk/wood-green/whats-hot/2021/guide-to-green-spaces-and-mental-health-in-wood-green/

Since 1863 Alexandra Park has offered a welcome escape for the population of London living in a rapidly expanding and overcrowded industrial city. In the contemporary spirit of Victorian social conscience, the Park and Palace also laid on educational shows alongside recreation. Alexandra Palace is known as an iconic gig venue – from military bands, to Gracie Fields who popularised the name “Ally Pally”. The Rolling Stones played here in 1964.

The story of Alexandra Palace and Park is integral to that of Wood Green. This Victorian enterprise has been the subject of many trials and tribulations, but it has, nevertheless, dominated Wood Green from its lofty position on its western boundary.

part 2 research

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