The plans for the Hackney Fashion Hub, a multi-million world class fashion development by Manhattan Loft Corporation and Chatham Works Limited, were approved yesterday by the Hackney Council’s planning committee.
The multi-million pound project will bring hundreds of new jobs and support for Hackney’s design and manufacturing community.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “It is great news for Hackney that a major new fashion hub has got the green light. This is part of an exciting wider economic regeneration of Hackney, including a £2 million investment from my regeneration fund, which will completely revamp the high street, and create hundreds of jobs and training opportunities for local people.”
The newly approved plans, designed by internationally acclaimed architects Adjaye Associates, will link closely with the refurbished Railway Arches to create an international destination with a distinct local character.
Hackney Council, Network Rail and the Mayor of London have provided support for the railway arches conversion.
Commenting on the decision, Harry Handelsman, Chief Executive of Manhattan Loft Corporation said: “The go-ahead for The Hackney Fashion Hub is great news for Hackney and for London as the fashion capital of the world.’’
Nick Perry of the Hackney Society’s planning group said: “I’m happy with the outcome of the meeting last night. The Committee granted the application with some additional conditions that will see details of some public realm improvements, things like roads and pavements.”
Work has already started to convert the railway arches in Morning Lane between Churchwell Path and Link Street into new retail spaces; also designed by Adjaye Associates these will sit alongside the new development.
Councilor Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “One of the key goals for us is that the Fashion Hub creates local jobs and opportunities for residents to create new business. It’s crucial that new developments like this benefit the whole community, including existing businesses and town centres.”
Local resident, Priscilla Dacosta, who works at the Aquascutum store spoke in favor of the plans. She said: “The people at the Fashion Hub and Hackney Ways into Work have already done lots to help people like me find a job in Hackney – it’s made a huge difference to my life as this is my first ever job. More jobs in the local area have got to be a good thing.”
The Hackney Fashion Hub Trust aims to be the main point of contact for local and start-up fashion businesses to engage with Hackney Council’s Ways into Work jobs provider and to promote various events and initiatives at the Fashion Hub.
For more details about The Hackney Fashion Hub visit http://hackneyfashionhub.co.uk