The Brunswick Close Estate, Islington

A Visionary Development with a Storied Past

Brunswick Close Estate holds a special place in London's architectural history. Built between 1949 and 1954, it was the city's first high-rise estate, earning the nickname “the city in the sky.” At the time, these blocks were the tallest council homes in the UK, standing as a bold statement of post-war regeneration and modern urban living.

The estate evolved over time, with Harold Laski House (1949-52) designed by George Hebson in traditional red brick, and Mulberry Court (1959-62), a striking crescent-shaped structure by Carl Franck that embodies the Tecton style with its distinctive rooftop aerofoil. The estate’s lead architect, Joseph Emberton, was already renowned for his innovative designs, including Simpson’s of Piccadilly and the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Casino. His vision for Brunswick Close focused on maximising sunlight, creating open spaces, and designing buildings that would enhance the well-being of the community.

Fast forward to today, and Brunswick Close is once again at the forefront of innovation—this time in the digital space.

A Smart, Future-Ready Fibre Network

In partnership with Islington Council, 4Fibre has deployed a cutting-edge, full-fibre network across Wyclif, Brunswick, Emberton, Mulberry, and Harold Laski towers—covering 237 homes. Rather than multiple providers installing their own separate cabling—often leading to cluttered, invasive installations—4Fibre has introduced a single fibre infrastructure that allows up to four internet service providers (ISPs) to connect residents, all through a streamlined, non-intrusive system.

The residents of Brunswick Close take great pride in their homes and were keen to minimise visual impact and disruption. The goal was clear: install a future-proofed fibre network that safeguards the aesthetics, fire safety, and structural integrity of these historic buildings—without sacrificing choice and flexibility for residents.

A From Concept to Completion: A Collaborative Approach

To ensure smooth implementation, 4Fibre worked closely with Islington Council (the freeholder) and the resident committee (TMO). This collaboration was key to designing a solution that met both technical requirements and community expectations.

The Brunswick Close fibre deployment was completed in just 12 weeks, bringing residents next-generation connectivity without any cost to them, the managing agents, or the freeholder.

4Fibre is set to roll out across more buildings in Islington, ensuring that more residents benefit from fast, reliable, and hassle-free broadband access. With a single installation supporting multiple providers, this model is proving to be the most efficient and sustainable way to upgrade urban broadband infrastructure.

Through careful planning, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, SCCI Alphatrack and 4 Fibre have future-proofed Brunswick Close—enhancing not just internet access, but also the desirability and long-term value of these historic homes.