Strengthening Hoxton’s Identity and Putting Community at the Heart of Development

Overview

This theme is one of six key priorities that emerged through the Connecting Hoxton co-design process. Residents, businesses and community organisations were clear that any change in Hoxton must be rooted in local identity, lived experience and meaningful community involvement.

At its core, this theme is about making sure change happens with the community, not to it. People told us they want greater transparency, clearer information and genuine opportunities to shape decisions. They also emphasised the importance of protecting what makes Hoxton distinctive, including its history, culture and sense of place.

This theme focuses on:

  • Supporting open and transparent processes for change
  • Enabling community co-authorship in shaping improvements
  • Protecting and celebrating Hoxton’s unique character and heritage

Projects linked to this theme

Phase 1 pilot projects

  • Market Arrival – Gateway Signage: Strengthening Hoxton’s visual identity at key entry points
  • Arden Estate Wayfinding: A community-led mapping pilot to improve navigation and celebrate local histories

Phase 2 main projects

  • Tyssen Street – Rename, Reclaim, Reconnect: A community-led project linked to Hackney’s Review, Rename, Reclaim initiative, enabling local residents to shape the future identity of this key route
  • Hoxton-wide Identity and Wayfinding Strategy: Building on the pilot projects to develop a coherent approach across the area
  • Hackney Housing Estates Wayfinding: Expanding successful wayfinding approaches across more estates

The co-design process itself reflects this theme, with community researchers and the Hoxton Co-Design Group playing a central role in shaping the strategy alongside the Council.

illustration of people of different ages and abilities standing and moving along a street in front of local buildings, including families, older residents, wheelchair users and people with children.

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Interests

  • Children and young people
  • Community safety
  • Gathering ideas
  • Regeneration
  • Traffic and transportation