User:The C of E/Highbury Square

Highbury Square is an apartment complex in Highbury, London. It was originally the home stadium of Arsenal F.C. until 2006 when they moved out and into the newly built Emirates Stadium nearby.

History
Highbury Square was originally constructed in 1913 and designed by Archibald Leitch as Arsenal Stadium in the Art Deco style. It remained as the home of Arsenal for 93 years until 2006 where they moved out into the new Emirates Stadium.

The complex cost Arsenal £130 million to build. In 2009, Arsenal sold 150 apartments in Highbury Square to London & Stamford Property at a 20% discount of market value due to several buyers failing to complete apartment purchases. Due to this, Arsenal cleared their debt on Highbury Square by 2010.

Redevelopment
The North Bank and Clock End were demolished while the older Grade II listed buildings of the East and West Stands remained as part of the development. The pitch was redeveloped into gardens. Several parts of Arsenal Stadium were retained including the marble halls, the bust of Herbert Chapman and the player's tunnel. It was opened officially in 2009 by Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger.

Details
Highbury Square has 650 flats and apartments. Former Arsenal player, Robert Pires owns one of the apartments. Although it houses private residences, Highbury Square was due to have a public footpath through it which had drainage issues in 2010 which prevented it from being opened which led to it being called a "gated community" by local councillors.

The complex has been praised by critics due to the design creating "a feeling of openess and nature" while also providing "protection and privacy." In 2009, Highbury Square's design won the MIPIM Special Jury Award.