Urban Research Documentary

This project explores the impact of the HS2 construction project on the local community, residents, and businesses near Drummond Street and Euston Square, Central London.

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UCL Bartlett — Drummond Street Project

Impact on the Community

Families and local businesses report that the ongoing construction has severely disrupted their lives. The area has suffered from construction noise, the closure of local facilities, and general uncertainty regarding the future. Some residents and business owners expressed frustration with environmental activists, who have protested the project by occupying parts of Euston Square.

Cultural Identity and Diversity

The Drummond Street area is characterized by a diverse mix of small businesses, workshops, cafes, and community facilities. It serves as a central hub for people from various backgrounds, including those from Africa, India, and Pakistan. The area retains a distinct, "Asian-oriented" character, and efforts are being made to preserve this cultural uniqueness.

Business Challenges

Local business owners report a significant decline in revenue, estimated by some at up to 70%, due to road closures, restricted access for customers, and difficulties with parking. Business owners have expressed dissatisfaction with promises of support from project developers, often describing these efforts as ineffective "gimmicks".

Perspectives on Development

While the disruption is acknowledged, some residents recognize the necessity of the high speed railway to improve national connectivity between the north and south. There is hope that the project will eventually lead to better development and increased accessibility. Developers claim to be implementing funding and marketing initiatives to mitigate negative impacts and support the local culture.

Social Cohesion

Reflecting on the area's social atmosphere, some residents noted that squatters have contributed a rare communal and friendly element to the district, which had previously been marked by a lack of social cohesion. The current construction period is viewed as a "race against time," where the community hopes to survive the disruption to see the eventual benefits of the development.

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