Camden Highline spring update

The Interchange building in Camden Lock is a Grade II-listed red brick warehouse and has been a focal point of our research over the past year. While gathering materials for our education programme, we’ve uncovered incredible historical images and have been captivated by the iconic structures that define Camden’s industrial heritage.

Built as a vital hub for transferring goods between canal barges, trains, and road transport, the Interchange sits above one of three basins—once known colloquially as ‘Dead Dogs Basin’ due to the accumulation of debris from the canal waterways. Its entrance is framed by the Regent’s Canal towpath, just west of Hampstead Road Lock. Ingenious hydraulic lifts and cranes facilitated the movement of goods between the elevated railway and the barges below, showcasing the engineering brilliance of the time.

One of the more unusual challenges of the site involved the working horses that pulled barges along the canal. At the end of a long day, these horses needed to return to their stables—but doing so required crossing the railway tracks. To prevent collisions, two underground ‘horse tunnels’ were constructed, allowing the animals to safely navigate beneath the railway and basins.

Recently, we had the extraordinary opportunity to explore 'Dead Dogs Basin' firsthand, thanks to the heritage team at Labtech. Stepping inside, we were able to see the original mechanisms up close and gain a deeper appreciation for how this remarkable building once operated.

Read more on what the Camden Highline project has been working on.