Gilbeys Yard, Camden

A Unique Blend of Heritage and Community

Nestled behind Camden’s iconic lock and market, Gilbeys Yard is a vibrant enclave steeped in industrial history and modern creativity. The cobblestone-surfaced yard, largely owned by Riverside (formerly One Housing), is home to two remarkable Grade II listed heritage landmarks: The Interchange and The Henson buildings. Below ground, a fascinating network of Victorian tunnels and vaults - sometimes referred to as the “Camden Catacombs” - tells the story of the area’s role as a hub for rail, road, and canal transport and as a storied industrial quarter.

Historic Landmarks

The Interchange Building

• Grade II listed, this imposing red brick warehouse was engineered in the early 20th century and designed as a “fortress for goods” with secure storage above and an intricate system of tunnels below.
  
  

• Once part of W&A Gilbey Ltd., the world’s largest wine and spirits company, The Interchange is now modern office space and has been home to the Associated Press, among others.
  
  

• The building’s industrial heritage is evident in preserved ironwork, original weighbridges, and direct canal access, reflecting Camden’s prominence as a London transport nexus.
  
  

The Henson Building

• Overlooking Regent’s Canal, this landmark warehouse was famously home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, producing beloved characters such as the Muppets, Babe the Pig, and even Yoda for Star Wars.
  
  

• After a major fire, the building was redeveloped in 2009, retaining its historic canalside façade and characterful Victorian features. It now offers contemporary “loft style” apartments and offices, with 46 private apartments and 24 affordable social housing units provided by Riverside.
  
  

• The building bridges Camden’s creative legacy with modern urban living, providing affordable homes and inspiring office environments in a prime location.
  
  

Community and Living Spaces

Social and Affordable Housing

• Riverside (One Housing) manages two social housing estates within Gilbeys Yard:
  
  

  • Oval Road Estate: 24 affordable homes located within The Henson Building.
    
    

  • Gilbeys Yard Estate: 82 homes developed in the late 1990s, arranged in low-rise terraces that blend with the area’s historic character.
    
    

Private Residences

• The redeveloped Henson Building accommodates 46 private apartments.
  
  

• A ground floor and basement commercial office further enhances the mixed-use vitality of the building.
  
  

Conservation and Location

• Gilbeys Yard sits within a protected conservation area renowned for its distinctive cobbled streets, historic tunnels, and preserved canalside views, excepting the Gilbeys Yard Estate which falls outside this designation.
  
  

• The area forms part of the Camden Town ward in the London Borough of Camden, within the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary constituency.
  
  

A Storied Address

From its industrial origins as the heart of Britain’s wine and spirits trade to its contemporary role as a dynamic residential community, Gilbeys Yard embodies the creative spirit and heritage appeal of Camden Town. Its unique blend of history, architecture, and modern living makes it one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods.