Multi-billion pound redevelopment of the Britannia Leisure Centre at risk

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Hackney Council’s constructions plans for a block of flats in Shoreditch is at risk following a petition from local parents. The building was planned to be built at Shoreditch Park Primary School’s playground, as part of the multi-billion pound redevelopment of the Britannia Leisure Centre.

The council obtained planning permission in 2018 to build 93 flats and an Early Years Centre as part of the multi-billion pound redevelopment. However, before   construction can begin, the Secretary of State for Education must grant permission to change the school’s land use from education to housing.  

Deliberations are currently taking place and parents at the school are not happy about the possible change. They have launched a petition against the plans and have already gathered over 540 signatures.

The plans include taking land from the north-west section of the playground, a part which is already occupied by Hoxton Press’ marketing office.

Parents are concerned the loss of playground space will adversely affect their children’s physical and mental wellbeing. One of them stated: “Since the school has a football pitch on this piece of land, it is not so easy to grab this area. If there was just a garden or grass – they would not have any problems with this.”

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