The unveiling in Oriel Place by some of those involved in the project - Credit: Polly Hancock A neighbourhood group says “Hampstead has grown a new heart” after the revamped Oriel Place was officially opened on Monday (May 17). Century-old railings have been removed and the paving slabs replaced to help open up the space, which is overlooked by a giant London plane tree. Neighbours previously raised concerns that the long-mooted changes could increase antisocial behaviour. Janine Griffis, from the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum, said: “The tree is what this space is all about. “It’s a sustainable, welcoming public space which has good environmental qualities, all the things that we asked for in the neighbourhood plan of a public space. And for me Hampstead has grown a heart.”