How the frozen yoghurt stand will look

THE soothing sounds of a waterfall, tumbling down from up high, is not what people would normally associate with Camden Town’s bustling high street.

But a soaring, 20-foot high sculpture with splashing and sploshing water has been planned for a site in the centre of the high street.

Snog, a frozen yoghurt brand, have designed the new kiosk complete with the unmissable waterfall on its roof.

They aim to place the structure in the middle of the pedestrianised stretch of the high street, near the junction of Buck Street.

Planning officials are currently mulling over whether the proposals should be permitted.

A spokesman for Snog told the New Journal that rather than just open a retail unit, they wanted to celebrate the high street’s long history of eye-catching art above shops.

The structure also includes a tech that would allow people to watch piano concerts on their phones, after scanning a QR code embedded in the waterfall.

“Our proposal is a fantastical ‘garden in the sky’, a temporary multi-month art installation designed to be worthy of the Tate Modern turbine hall,” the spokesman said.

“It takes up a postage stamp-size of the road and brings to life some of the most imaginative ideas for Camden that have been spoken about for years, but have never come to fruition.

He insisted it was not a tourist trap idea, adding: “We want to give local people a reason to come back to Camden High Street. Camden Town is a proudly non-conformist town centre, defined by its iconic markets, punk rock roots and a diverse alternative atmosphere that champions individuality and creative freedom. It thrives on bohemian flair, with diverse crowds and a sense of ‘anything goes’ that feels far removed from more corporate, polished areas.”

But the waterfall has been met with a damp response elsewhere.

Kate Gemmell, the chair of the Tenants and Residents Associations of Camden Town, said the scheme would block valuable public space and that there were empty shops Snog could use instead.

She added: “The space is used by pedestrians, cyclists, e-bikes, delivery cyclists and cleaning carts.

“Having a block in the middle of the high street with people queuing for service will take us back to the chaos before pedestrianisation. The now car-free space was the only benefit of the pedestrianisation trial.

“This proposal will make the pedestrianised area less safe by squeezing large numbers of people between this installation and the existing shops and on street displays.

“I assume this is a money-generating scheme for Camden Council as there can be no other reason for this proposal to be accepted.”

Gloucester Crescent resident William Miller has spoken out against the pedestrianisation plans.

He said: “The trial is under review, so it’s crazy that anyone would be encouraged to submit plans on the assumption the pedestrianisation scheme will be permanent.

“Although it’s popular with tourists and the organisers of third-rate live music events, there is a lot of push back from residents, businesses and the pubs due to the problems it has created like heavy traffic on Kentish Town Road and the increase in rogue traders.”