A cherished north London bowling alley that has been the backdrop for countless birthdays, dates, and nights out for decades is facing a renewed threat of permanent closure.
Redevelopment Plans Put Community Hub at Risk
Rowans Tenpin Bowl in Finsbury Park is under direct threat as Haringey Council reviews a draft local plan that could see the site redeveloped with up to 190 new flats. The council's document identifies the location as being 'potentially suitable for tall buildings'. This has sparked significant outrage among local residents who view the venue as an iconic part of the area's social fabric.
The bowling alley, which first opened its doors in 1988, has been allocated for potential redevelopment since 2017. However, the newly released draft plan has brought the issue to a head once more. A public consultation is now underway, asking residents whether they support the site's allocation for housing, with a deadline for responses set for December 19, 2025.
A Long-Standing Battle for Preservation
This is not the first time Rowans has faced the bulldozer. Back in 2014, local opposition successfully challenged initial redevelopment ideas. The following year, plans for 71 flats were included in the council's 2015 local plan, prompting a petition against the move that garnered over 5,000 signatures from supporters.
In response to the latest threat, some locals are now advocating for the building to be granted listed status to protect its future. The council's plan does state that any proposals must 'preserve and enhance the character' of the nearby Stroud Green Conservation Area and improve connections between Finsbury Park station and the park itself.
Council Assurance and Community Uncertainty
Councillor Sarah Williams, Haringey Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, sought to offer reassurance. 'We know that Rowans is a much-loved local space for our community and there are no proposals to replace it,' she stated.
She clarified that the Draft Local Plan sets out a 15-year vision and framework. 'Should the owner of Rowans come forward at a future date with plans to redevelop the site, the Local Plan safeguards provision of community, culture and leisure facilities, including a bowling alley,' Cllr Williams added. The council has confirmed there is no current application to demolish the venue.
Despite these assurances, the inclusion of the site in the draft plan has left the community anxious. The venue's fate now partially rests on the outcome of the public consultation, leaving regulars to wonder if their next visit could be their final strike at a place steeped in local history.
