Community and business ‘Parklets’: new designs invited
Local communities and businesses are being encouraged to come up with their own creative and innovative ideas for new mini-parks or ‘parklets’ by Hackney Council, building on the 10 that currently exist in the borough.
Parklets are typically installed within on-street parking bays, reclaiming the space and making it greener, more liveable and pleasant for the benefit of the local community, helping to reduce the dominance of vehicles. Hackney Council is facilitating the process, opening parklet submissions to anyone in the borough, from local resident communities or businesses.
The Council is committed to reimagining the public realm by investing in green spaces and building more liveable streets for everyone, citing the need to ‘continue to reallocate road space from private motor vehicles and work with residents and businesses to introduce pocket parks’.
We’re passionate about introducing more parklets in Hackney, as a way to improve our public spaces, get communities together and support people’s wellbeing.
From seeing parklets dotted around the borough, I know the joy they can bring to people. The existing parklets brighten up the streets and make you smile. Be creative, test your ideas with neighbours and send us your proposals. We’ll be excited to read them.
Parklets offer an opportunity to Hackney residents to imagine their streets differently - if you’re excited to see new street trees appear in your neighbourhood and would like a place to sit, enjoy them and bring your own culture and interests into the mix we’d love to hear from you!
Those interested in having a parklet are encouraged to visit the Council’s website and read the step-by-step design guidance which explains the process. Applicants will have to meet a range of design and safety standards, set out in the design guidance, and gain support from the local community before the Council will consider their proposal at a detailed level. Parklet design ideas typically include the use of planters and seating, but could also include cycle parking, play elements or artwork - creativity is encouraged!
To view a map of the existing sites and to read the guidance, please visit hackney.gov.uk/parklets.
Application windows will open twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, however the Council is always keen to receive expressions of interest.
People who are interested in applying for a parklet for a local community or business should click to ‘Register your interest’ on our website: https://hackney.gov.uk/parklets.