Improving Prince Edward Road
Overview
Help shape improvements to Prince Edward Road
We're developing plans to transform a section of Prince Edward Road into a permanent public space for the Hackney Wick community and we want your views.
This proposal is based on feedback from residents, businesses and local organisations who took part in the Hackney Wick and Fish Island (HWFI) Public Realm Framework. Across walking tours, school sessions, and community workshops, people told us they wanted more greenery, more places to meet and rest, and safer, better public spaces, especially in Hackney Wick Central.
Why are these changes being proposed?
This project builds on the temporary “Street Interrupted” closure in 2011, which successfully created space for people to meet, play and rest. Now, we’re proposing a permanent transformation: a greener, more welcoming street with new furniture, planting, and space for a cargo bike hub to support local businesses and families.
Hackney Wick Central has few green spaces and no accessible play areas. Through the Hackney Wick and Fish Island Public Realm Framework, local people told us they wanted more greenery, informal gathering spaces, and room for nature and people to thrive.
This project responds to that feedback with:
- New planting and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to help tackle flooding and add greenery
- A cargo bike hub for shared bikes and deliveries
- New seating and furniture for community use
- Opportunities to influence the look and feel of the space
We've secured funding from the London Legacy Development Corporation's Community Infrastructure Levy to help take the project forward and deliver key public realm improvements, including the cargo bike hub and new street furniture. In addition, Hackney Highways will be contributing to the project, specifically supporting the delivery of the sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) element.
What are the proposals?
- Installing approximately 25 square metres of new planting and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to help tackle flooding and add greenery
- Plant 3 new trees to enhance the public realm and help improve air quality
- Installing new seating and furniture for community use
- Resurfacing and expanding the pathway on the southern side of the road to improve pedestrian facilities
- Play elements may be included either as part of the SuDS rain garden or through playful ground markings made from durable thermoplastic (heat-applied surface material)
- New cargo bike hub to encourage active travel and reduce emissions
- Removal of 2 car parking spaces will be necessary as part of this scheme to allow space for the new cargo bikes hub
Our aims:
- Provide an improved public space for community interaction
- Improve footfall for local businesses
- Improve green infrastructure
- Reduce flood risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are these changes being proposed?
Hackney Wick lies within a Critical Drainage Area (CDA) and is primarily at risk from surface water flooding due to its flat topography, dense urban layout and large areas of impermeable surfacing which restrict natural drainage during heavy rainfall. Incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) such as rain gardens can help reduce flood risk by intercepting overland flow and diverting it away from the public sewer network.
Q. What is a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS)?
A. A sustainable drainage system is designed to capture surface water to prevent overloading of the sewer system. The type of SuDS used at these locations is rain gardens which mimic natural drainage.
Q. What is a rain garden?
A. A rain garden is a type of sustainable drainage feature. It is designed to capture rainfall and use the water to sustain planting and help to increase biodiversity. No matter how small the garden, it can have a major impact on surface water runoff which can contribute to flooding.
A rain garden requires runoff from the carriageway, a level planting area or breaks in kerbs to enable water to drain into them. Alternatively, they can be supported by footway runoff being directed into them.
In order to support the greening of the borough, the use of rain gardens should be considered especially in local streets and areas that are predominantly residential and have a medium to high risk of flooding.
Q. What is a Cargo Bikes Hub?
A. The Cargo Bike Share Hub will enable residents and businesses to hire an e-assist cargo bike to transport passengers (up to 1 adult or 2 children) or cargo. Local residents and businesses will get free minutes to use the bike when they download the app and cargo bike training can be arranged for free through ZEN (Zero Emissions Network). We are looking for a business to host the cargo bike to assist with changing and charging the battery. In return the business will get 20 hours free use of the cargo bike per month.
Q. Why do 2 car parking spaces have to be removed?
A. Removal of 2 car parking spaces will be necessary as part of this scheme to allow space for the new Cargo Bikes Hub.
Have your say
Please complete the online survey by Monday 15 September 2025.
What happens next?
Your views will also be taken into account as part of the detailed design process. We will publish the consultation responses as well as the decisions made at: consultation.hackney.gov.uk
Subject to approval, we expect construction works to start in January 2026 with completion in about 8 weeks. Further information regarding the works would be sent out closer to the time.
Information
For further information on this proposal, please email Holly Ashdown: holly.ashdown@hackney.gov.uk
Accessibility statement
If you need any information on this consultation in a different format please email: consultation@hackney.gov.uk
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.
Give us your views
This activity will open on 28 Jul 2025. Please come back on or after this date to give us your views.Interests
- Understanding views
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