London,
06
February
2011
|
23:00
Europe/London

New project asks people to nominate Hackney buildings for local listing

An innovative project designed to help promote and protect locally listed buildings is asking people to nominate buildings so that they can be put forward for local listing.

All the buildings nominated as part of the ’Love Local Landmarks’ scheme will be considered by Hackney Council for inclusion on the borough’s Local List. Local listing lets people know what buildings are of value to the local area and gives them a special status. These buildings are also given due care and consideration by the Council when making decisions that affect their future.

The ’Love Local Landmarks’ project, part-funded by English Heritage and Discover Hackney, is being co-ordinated by the Hackney Society in partnership with Hackney Council.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Hackney has many well-designed and eye-catching buildings. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the rich mix of architecture in the borough and also ensure that buildings of interest are protected for future generations.”

A building, or feature like an artwork or monument, should only be nominated if it is of:

• Historical interest – has an association with well-known personality or event, and/or demonstrates the Borough’s history.
• Architectural interest – portrays a good example of a particular style or period or is designed by a well-known architect.
• Environmental significance – makes a special contribution to the environment of a street or locality.
• Aesthetic or artistic merit – this could include a building, mural or shop sign that ‘arrests the eye’.

The Local List has not been reviewed since 1991 and at present there are a large number of significant 20th-century buildings that are not included.

Chair of the Hackney Society, Kevin Moore, said: “I would encourage anyone who wants to nominate a favourite building to do so. I am sure that there will be many new additions to Hackney’s Local List from the nominations we receive.”

“This project provides a unique opportunity for people in Hackney to take part in selecting and protecting some of the borough’s special buildings.”

Nominations are open from 14 February to 29 April 2011. To nominate a building, log on to www.hackneybuildings.org.uk/contribution

ENDS

Attached - pic of listed building, the former Bedford Hotel in Victoria Park

For more information, contact Susie Haywood, Hackney Council Press office, 020 8356 2869, email susie.haywood@hackney.gov.uk.