Hackney is facing a critical housing shortage and affordability crisis. Instead of accepting increased demand for housing and pressure on services and facilities, we’re committed to managing growth sustainably to help meet the increasing housing need. 

As a major town centre with a range of sites that can be repurposed or redeveloped, Hackney Central will be an important area in accommodating the new affordable homes, workspaces and jobs a growing borough needs – alongside the infrastructure needed to support them.

Thousands of people took part in the Hackney Central Conversation and helped create the Hackney Central Town Centre Strategy. You identified priorities including:

• Controlling new development so that it benefits the local community and doesn't impede the character of the area.
• Incorporating more affordable housing in new developments
• Ensuring high-quality architecture to enhance the character of the area
• Ensure that new developments provide adequate green and public space

In 2020, Hackney’s Local Plan designated Hackney Central as a major town centre. This identifies the area as a place that can accommodate growth and investment to provide the new homes, jobs and facilities that Hackney’s growing population needs both now and in the future. Building on locations in Hackney Central identified for new development in the Local Plan, owned by the council or others, can help accommodate around 1,000 new jobs and 3,000 new homes.

Based on your feedback we’re working with the community to shape this change to prioritise the needs of the community –  providing genuinely affordable homes and workspace, and protecting what is most loved about Hackney Central.

This will support our mission for Hackney Central, created in partnership with the local community, to ensure residents can actively engage in and influence the future of their area.