“The MultiSteel doors have been faultless. Zero issues since installation, and residents feel safer.”— Southwark Council

Colinsdale Estate
Camden Passage,
London Borough of Islington

Overview:

Zero maintenance callouts since installation
No reported mechanical failures or lock issues
Eliminated police callouts linked to unauthorised access
Enhanced safety and privacy for residents
Fully compliant with listed building and planning requirements
Visually identical to original timber doors

Heritage style. Modern security. Lasting performance.

Colinsdale Estate is a housing association estate located just off the historic Camden Passage in Islington. Set within a conservation area and surrounded by period homes, independent shops, and long established local businesses, the estate sits at the heart of one of Angel’s most architecturally distinctive neighbourhoods. This highly visible, heritage sensitive setting required a sympathetic approach to modernisation. Any replacement of the estate’s communal entrances had to preserve the character of the original design while introducing discreet, long term security improvements.

The strategic challenge

Because of its open layout and central location, Colinsdale Estate frequently experienced public foot traffic, with members of the public using the site as a through‑route. Over time, this led to rising safety concerns, nuisance behaviour, and misuse of communal areas.

While the existing timber doors were visually appropriate for the period, they offered little resistance to damage or forced entry. Their deterioration made access difficult to control and left residents vulnerable.

The estate’s Grade II listed designation presented a further challenge: any new system had to replicate the exact appearance of the original heritage doors — including colour, panel detailing and joinery style — to meet Listed Building Consent requirements.

Conventional aluminium alternatives, although often cheaper, were ruled out because they lack the strength, longevity, and structural integrity required for heritage security applications, especially in high‑traffic housing environments.

The MultiSteel approach

MultiSteel was appointed to design, manufacture and install a series of bespoke steel heritage style security doors and frames across the entire estate — providing robust access control without compromising the historic fabric of the buildings.

Each unit was precision engineered at our North London facility using high grade steel and finely detailed profiles that faithfully replicate the original timber joinery. The result is a visually authentic replacement that meets planning approval while dramatically improving strength, durability and occupant safety.

Behind the traditional façade lies advanced engineering. As with all MultiSteel heritage door systems, the complete removal of exposed mechanical components reduces potential attack points and eliminates the need for routine maintenance.

More than a decade later, the installation continues to perform reliably, with no reported mechanical issues, no service callouts, and a significant reduction in anti social behaviour. The project demonstrates how steel heritage security doors can combine traditional craftsmanship with modern performance — protecting residents while preserving the architectural integrity of one of Islington’s most distinctive estates.

Maintenance issues or reported faults since install