Go ahead given for final King’s Crescent regeneration Phases 3 and 4

Hackney Planning Committee has given the go ahead for the Council’s plans to develop Phases 3 and 4 of the King’s Crescent Estate in Hackney Council. Tibbalds Planning and Design led the planning process, working closely with Karakusevic Carson and Henley Halebrown Architects.

Two-hundred-and-nineteen new homes will be created across six blocks ranging from six to 11 storeys, with a further 174 homes refurbished. No existing homes will be demolished – a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the existing blocks forms an integral part of the application proposals. The homes will provide a mix of tenures in line with the Borough’s requirements, including 28 new social rented and 75 new shared ownership units.

A new community centre is proposed at the heart of the estate alongside a new public square. Flexible workspace and new retail space – a total of 2,153 sq ft (200 sq m) – on the Green Lanes frontage will encourage activity within this key area.

Residential courtyards, new play space, extensive public realm improvements, pedestrian and cycle connections, and tree planting are also part of the approved proposals.

Ajman Ali, Acting Group Director, Neighbourhoods and Housing for Hackney Council, said: “Hackney is building. These plans will provide desperately needed new Council homes for local people and those on our waiting list, as well as huge investment in existing homes for tenants and leaseholders.

“We believe that Council housing should be just as good as any other housing, and that whether you rent or buy, you can expect a modern, high-quality home that you can afford.

“I’m proud that we’re putting these values into practice, working together with local people to invest in a new generation of social housing. There will also be a new public square, community facilities and affordable workspace in this next phase.”

Matt Shillito, Director of Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, said: “This development will complete the King’s Crescent Estate regeneration programme, building on the award-winning work in the first two phases and creating a successful neighbourhood for existing and new residents.”

“High quality design is a huge priority for the Borough and has been an important area of focus when working up these proposals with Karakusevic Carson, Henley Halebrown, Muf landscape architects and the rest of the project team.

“A well-designed and sunny public space is proposed at the heart of estate. Setting back heights from the Green Lanes edge respects the heritage value of Clissold Park and allows the new buildings to be sensitive to the heights of the existing buildings. Putting the taller building in the centre of the estate also signifies the importance of the community facilities at its base.

“At the same time, creating long views and vistas through the estate will be achieved by leaving gaps between new and existing estate buildings, generating a rich layering of new and old, and enhancing the connection to Clissold Park and the wider townscape.”

The plans for Kings Crescent are part of around 2,000 new homes that will be started or completed across the borough by Hackney Council between 2018 and 2022, with more than half for genuinely affordable social rent and shared ownership. Local people will be first in line for these new homes, with Council homes allocated to residents whose homes have been demolished, tenants in housing need nearby, or homeless families on the housing waiting list.