Nine Hackney sites will be redeveloped to provide 1000 new council homes, community facilities, and commercial spaces.

Council-owned sites in Dalston and Hackney Central, including Hackney Central station, will be among the redevelopments by Adam Khan Architects.

This is in an effort to help the council reach its goal of building 1000 new council homes in the borough by 2026.

Hackney deputy mayor for housing supply, planning, culture, and inclusive economy Guy Nicholson said in a statement: “Despite more than a decade of government-imposed austerity, we have made sure that the council is in a unique position having kept the ownership of publicly owned land in Dalston and Hackney Central town centres and not sold it all off.”

“This means that the council can work with the community to shape new development in the town centres to meet our collective needs.”

The sites include Hackney Central Station car park, 333-337 Mare Street (Iceland), 231-237 Graham Road, Hackney Town Hall car park and Hackney Housing Florfield Depot.

In addition, 1-3 Dalston Lane, 1-7 Ashwin Street, 2-16 Ashwin Street, 11-13 Dalston Lane, Abbot Street Car Park, the former CLR James Library at 16-22 Dalston Lane and Birkbeck Mews will be redeveloped.

As well as providing access to residents and businesses, each plot of land aims to make Hackney town centres greener and more modern.

The development team includes muf architecture/art, Apparata, Freehaus, JA Projects, and Landolt + Brown. A feasibility study will be conducted on the nine plots that have been designated for redevelopment in the local plan of the council for mixed-use redevelopment.

Local resident Patricia Adebowale, from Hackney Downs told ELL: “I think it is really important there are more steps to improve and develop affordable housing. I have dealt with damp, mould, and leaks for years and the opportunity for people in worse positions than me to move into new homes is great.”

“I hope there are more developments planned as there are so many people on social housing waiting lists. It feels like 2026 is so far away and with the cost of living rising, we need something sooner.”

After completing the first phase of the Rich Mix arts centre upgrade near Shoreditch High Street, Adam Khan Architects was selected to renovate the Hackney plots. In the summer of last year, JA Projects won a competition to redesign Redchurch Street in London’s East End and was also hired by Hackney Council.

Nicholson added: “Regeneration and new development can generate anxiety and uncertainty. But by taking more control of what is built in the town centres and what any new development can deliver for our communities, we can ensure it puts local needs first. The brief to the architects is to make sure that these council-owned sites can deliver new affordable homes, greener town centres and attractive and accessible places for residents and businesses.”

“Adam Khan architects knows Hackney well and has a track record of delivering award-winning and inclusive development. I’m delighted that the council is working with it to explore the possibilities for Dalston and Hackney Central as we continue conversations with communities to deliver thriving town centres.”

Later in 2023, the council and Adam Khan Architects will engage with local residents and stakeholders about emerging design ideas.