Designation of Pitfield Street Conservation Area

Overview

We are currently consulting on a proposed Pitfield Street Conservation Area following the areas identificiation in the 2017 Conservation Area Review. 

Hackney Council has undertaken detailed research for the proposed Pitfield Street Conservation Area and is consulting on a Draft Pitfield Street Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan and boundary map.

Why is Pitfield Street of special architectural and historic character?

The Pitfield Street Conservation Area contains pockets of dense, historically layered urban grain bounded by large areas of post-war housing set in a townscape where greenery and street trees play an important role. The area was first referenced in 1625 but was simply a hamlet on the outside of the walls of the city of London. Nonetheless a lane ran on a north-south axis at this point but the area initially developed in a gradual piecemeal fashion. The Haberdashers’ Almshouses was one of the earliest buildings completed in 1652 although this was subsequently demolished and replaced. Many of the earlier buildings dating from the 18th century no longer survive and included houses with substantial gardens to the rear.

Despite the piecemeal development of the area the overall linear planform with a road on a north-south axis provides a high degree of historic interest. The 19th century witnessed the rapid growth of Shoreditch with the growth of the furniture trade which is reflected in the buildings on Pitfield Street and the construction of rows of terraced houses to the east and west.

There are a number of landmark buildings from the 19th century and include, The Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II*), the former Haberdashers Almshouses (grade II) and the former Passmore Edwards library (Grade II)

Historic street furniture including railings, water fountain, trough and gas holder all make a valuable contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Moreover, the recent public realm interventions contribute to the verdancy and limit the impact of motor vehicles and also enhance the setting and visual connection with the church.

Before determining whether to designate the Pitfield Street Conservation Area, we are undertaking a 28 day public consultation between 2nd and 30th June 2021.

You can download the Pittfield Street Conservation Area boundary map and  Appraisal & Management Plan below.