A cherished north London landmark, the iconic Rowans Tenpin Bowl in Finsbury Park, faces an uncertain future under new redevelopment proposals put forward by Haringey Council.
What the Council's Draft Plan Proposes
Haringey Council has unveiled a draft local plan that could see the legendary bowling alley demolished to make way for a 'high-density, mixed-use development' featuring 190 new homes. The proposed construction window is between 2032 and 2041. While the plan acknowledges the site's status as an Asset of Community Value, it suggests the bowling alley would likely need to be torn down.
However, the council's document does include a crucial condition for any future developer. It states that 'an appropriate leisure/community facility use to replace the existing Rowans bowling alley must be provided' at the base of the new buildings. The plan further commits to working with local artists to potentially redesign and reinstall the venue's famous neon signage, visible from the Finsbury Park station platform.
A Community Institution Under Threat
Rowans is far more than just a place to bowl. Operating at its current site since 1988, after previous lives as a cinema, dancehall, and snooker club, it has become a cultural hub. It has reportedly hosted celebrities from Craig David and King Charles to members of the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Lopez.
The neighbouring Twelve Pins pub could also be impacted. Proposals indicate the Irish pub itself should be retained, but the demolition and replacement of its extension 'could be considered'.
Time Running Out for Public Response
This is not the first time Rowans has been threatened. A similar plan in 2013 was met with strong local opposition, including a petition of over 5,000 signatures, which successfully stalled demolition at the time.
The council is now running a public consultation on its latest draft plan, and the deadline for the public to have their say is Friday, December 19. This gives residents and supporters just a few days to submit their views on the future of the site.
The fate of this beloved Finsbury Park institution now hangs in the balance, caught between the pressing need for new housing and the preservation of vital community spaces.
