A visit to Rowans is a bit like an adult equivalent of entering one of those funhouses at fairgrounds that has a hall of mirrors, hamster wheel, and comical surfaces to walk on. It doesn’t have any of those things, of course, but swapping them out for karaoke, bowling, and nostalgic arcade games evokes similar feelings, turning the most sensible into the fine variety of silly.
All that is to say that it’s a unique and much-loved pillar of the city, standing tall, donning its neon lights beside Finsbury Park station. But Rowans Tenpin Bowl could now be under threat, with a redevelopment proposal reportedly being under review by Haringey Council.
Details are slightly thin as to what it would look like, but the public has been given until December 19 to voice their thoughts and/or concerns on the matter, which can be filled out here. This is actually part of a plan that was made public in 2017, but the proposal we see here is the newest draft that invites people to have their say on the matter.
Rowans has been a palace-like beacon of the area’s nightlife in its current form since 1988, and its loss would certainly be felt by many who enjoy its multi-faceted entertainment. Back in 2013, a threat also emerged to the site, and a petition was created that saw more than 5,000 people sign to voice support for the space.
What do the redevelopment plans involve?
In the plans laid out across the proposal, it lists the bid to provide “190 new homes alongside replacement leisure and community uses” with the timelines phasing given as 2032-2041, which is what leads to the question of what would happen to Rowans?
The application recognises the community value of Rowans, but also hints towards the site being replaced, saying: “Existing community, culture and leisure uses should be re-provided as part of redevelopment and a mix of other town centre uses and homes provided. Existing public benefits arising from Rowans bowling alley must be re-secured including providing affordable and inclusive facilities which cater to a full range of people including young people.”
There could also be an added effect to the pub next door, The Twelve Pins, which is a favourite for matchday Arsenal fans for pre and post game pints when heading over to watch a game at the Emirates Stadium. The pub is mentioned in the draft, but it wouldn’t seem that it would close under the plans, though its exterior may be affected during any construction work.
Speaking to The Standard yesterday (December 15), Councillor for Haringey, Sarah Williams, said: “We know that Rowans is a much-loved local space for our community and there are no proposals to replace it. Should the owner of Rowans come forward at a future date with plans to redevelop the site, the Local Plan safeguards provision of the community, culture and leisure facilities, including a bowling alley.”
“The Draft Local Plan, which is currently out for consultation, is the council’s 15-year vision for new buildings and development in the borough. It sets out a borough-wide framework for placemaking and complements the council’s overall vision for Haringey.”
Rowans is still very much open for business as of now, though, so be sure to play them a visit for a usual night of frivolous behaviour at their beloved site. You could even enjoy a holy trinity for many: Twelve Pins. Emirates Stadium. Rowans. In that order. And What more could you want from a day out in the north of the city?
Find them at 10 Stroud Green Road. Finsbury Park, N4 2DF (nearest station is Finsbury Park), and book your bowling lane here. You can voice your thoughts on the proposal surrounding the area here (NOTE: you can only have until December 19 to do so).