Students will move into former factory

[from Islington Tribune]

Islington Tribune - by TOM FOOT Published: 3 October 2008

Students will move into former factory A FORMER tonic wine factory in Finsbury Park is to be turned into a 56-bed student home. Councillors on east area planning committee have given the go-ahead to developer Tolak Establishment to convert the Grade II-listed building, in Thane Villas, into a student hall of residence. Although 11 residents objected to the development, councillors decided the plans would not destroy the historic character of the building. The developer has agreed to include a “pocket museum” in its plans. It will house historic artefacts found in the 1909 building, including a vat, furnace and a fuse box with instructions. A list of conditions have been imposed to protect the building’s heritage. Features of special interest include a ground-floor fireplace and a Jacobean staircase.