Hoxton Hall Social Lobby

Overview

This project is developing proposals for a new social lobby inside Hoxton Hall, creating a more welcoming and accessible space for community use.

The proposals aim to strengthen the connection between Hoxton Hall and Hoxton Street, while providing an inclusive place where people of different ages can meet, spend time and take part in informal activity.

The project also includes improvements to the public space at Wilks Place.

What is happening

We are developing proposals for a new social lobby inside Hoxton Hall.

The space is being designed to feel open, accessible, inclusive and welcoming, with a stronger visual and physical connection between the building and Hoxton Street.

The current proposals are exploring how the lobby could support:

• informal meetings and social activity
• community use and events
• a more welcoming arrival at Hoxton Hall
• improved visibility of the venue from the street
• a potential café offer as part of the new space.

The precise way the space will operate, including the café proposal and how different parts of the lobby may be used, will be considered through the ongoing design and planning process.

The project also includes public realm improvements to Wilks Place, including new paving and improvements to the setting around the building.

Developing the proposals with the community

Community engagement has helped inform the development of the proposals.

This has included a co-design workshop to discuss design considerations, gather feedback and identify priorities for the space.

A further session was held with Hoxton Hall’s embroidery group and Activate to understand their experiences of using Hoxton Hall and their priorities for the proposed improvements.

As Hoxton Hall is a Grade II* listed building, the proposals will require planning permission and will need to respond carefully to the building’s historic character.

Project timeline

How this project responds

This project responds by developing a more accessible and welcoming indoor space at Hoxton Hall.

The proposed social lobby would provide opportunities for informal social interaction, community activity and a more inviting arrival at the venue. The design work is also exploring how a café could form part of the space and support its day-to-day use.

By improving the relationship between the building, Hoxton Street and Wilks Place, the project aims to make Hoxton Hall more visible and better connected to the surrounding neighbourhood.