New pocket park opens in Hackney Central
A new “pocket park” has opened in Hackney Central, the first project to be delivered from £19 million of Government funding for investment in public spaces and community facilities, making the area greener and more accessible for local residents, businesses and visitors.
Marvin Street has been transformed from a dead-end street with car parking spaces into a public space with trees and plants, an idea originally proposed by local residents who wanted to see more green areas in their neighbourhood. A consultation launched with people and businesses in Hackney Central about the idea in 2023 showed over 72% of people supported the proposals.
The park is designed for the community to enjoy the garden while walking through, responding to research showing many journeys in Hackney are made on foot, and over 70% of households in the area who say they do not own a car or van. A decision not to include seating will address requests from local residents about discouraging large night time gatherings.
Plans to prioritise a greener Hackney Central also include two new electric car charging bays and a dockless cycle hire bay for sustainable travel at the site. In response to the need for local businesses to accommodate deliveries, the designs also include a 10m loading bay.
Changes in Hackney Central are being brought forward with support from £19 million in government funding, allocated to areas across the UK in 2023 for investment in projects and places to benefit communities.
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I am delighted to see this pocket park opening in Hackney Central. Green spaces in urban areas are so important - for our wellbeing and for encouraging residents in the community to spend more time where we live and work and with each other.
This is just the start of plans to transform Hackney Central, and it’s a really exciting time as we begin to deliver projects which will bring real benefits to people in the area, including a new linear park on Amhurst Road, the redesign of Pembury Junction to benefit all road users and improving Hackney Town Hall Square to make it more inclusive, attractive and welcoming.
We are also investing in improving our cultural assets in Hackney Central such as the library and museum, and I can’t wait to see these come to fruition in close collaboration with the local community.
Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport