Agar Grove estate residents have chosen to name a new housing block ‘Oliver Heaviside House’, to commemorate the Camden-born acclaimed scientist.
Residents of the Agar Grove estate have chosen to name a new housing block ‘Oliver Heaviside House’ in honour of the Camden-born scientist renowned for his contributions to electromagnetic theory and telecommunications.
Born in Camden in 1850, Heaviside overcame poverty and the challenges of deafness, having lost his hearing after contracting scarlet fever. Despite these obstacles, he made groundbreaking advancements in science that continue to influence modern technology. The new housing block’s name was selected by residents from a shortlist of esteemed figures in Camden’s history.
“Oliver Heaviside House is part of the Agar Grove estate redevelopment which will deliver high-quality and affordable homes for residents.”
Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member
Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, welcomed the choice, stating: “Oliver Heaviside House is part of the Agar Grove estate redevelopment, which will deliver high-quality and affordable homes for residents. I’m delighted that this remarkable Camden figure will be celebrated as part of the project, chosen by the majority who will soon be moving into their homes there.”
She added: “This is an example of how our residents are taking the lead in designing and shaping their own homes and how we are working collaboratively to ensure they are at the front and centre of what we are delivering.”
Councillor Nadia Shah, Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities and Cohesion, also praised the decision, emphasising Camden’s commitment to inclusivity and historical recognition. “We want Camden’s proud history and diverse communities reflected in public spaces and buildings across the borough. I hope that Oliver Heaviside’s inspiring story of breaking down barriers to achieve greatness educates and inspires others in Camden.”
“Oliver Heaviside’s inspiring story of breaking down barriers to achieve greatness educates and inspires others in Camden.”
Nadia Shah, Cabinet Member
Oliver Heaviside House is part of the next phase of the Agar Grove estate redevelopment, which is being delivered through Camden’s Community Investment Programme (CIP). Once complete, it will provide 94 affordable council homes to tackle overcrowding on the estate, rehousing residents currently living in Lulworth Tower as well as those who temporarily moved away. The project is expected to be completed by late 2027.
Naming buildings after significant figures in Camden’s history aligns with the borough’s Strategy for Diversity in the Public Realm. The initiative aims to create more balanced, accessible, and representative public spaces that honour the diverse stories of its residents.
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