At the Heart of Hackney since 1967

2014 THE HACKNEY SOCIETY SPACENews and views about Hackney’s builtS environment Issue 46 Autumn 2014 // ISSN 2047-7465

Curtain Road Photos © Jack Hobhouse

Duggan Morris Architects have New external curtain walling forms the new redeveloped 141-145 Curtain façade above the existing retained brickwork, Road to generate 16,500 square with a new commercial frontage installed at feet of retail and work space. The street level. site is located in the Shoreditch The basement and ground floor are dedicated Conservation Area close to Georgian brick buildings. Retention to retail, while the other floors provide flexible of the existing façade was a office spaces that decrease in area towards condition for planning permission. the top. Prior to development, the building had four The façade features a grid that divides the storeys, including a basement. It has been surface of the extension to correspond with completely altered and refurbished to create the three bays of the original frontage. Local an interior suited to modern commercial use. rights of light required some open sections at Above this, three new floors of contemporary the rear to become roof terraces. office space have been added, extending the The new façade was designed as a simple building to seven storeys and almost doubling arrangement of horizontal and vertical units, contents the usable area. rendered in visually lightweight modern 01 Curtain Road A new core structure links the existing materials to create a contrast with the 02 Building Watch: Saving Dalston Lane basement level to the new upper floor layouts. existing brickwork. 02 Building Watch: Bishopsgate Goodsyard One of the existing basement level vaults was The building has been shortlisted for the 03 Building Watch: Chesham Arms enlarged to create more communal facilities. Hackney Design Awards 2014. 03 Building Watch: Leyton Marsh Help support our work by joining the Hackney Society. 04 Hindle House War Memorial Project Call on 020 7175 1967 or email membership@ 04 Noticeboard 04 Publications hackneysociety.org or visit www.hackneysociety.org 04 Hackney Society Events Building Watch

And Still… Saving Dalston Lane By Lisa Shell quote from the planning case officer’s report, ‘would help to safeguard the contribution of the site towards the townscape of the conservation area’. The applicant had failed to consider whether the restoration of the existing Georgian buildings might not be a preferable, and viable, means of preserving the significance of the designated heritage asset.

Meanwhile The Spitalfields Trust have been busy considering just that, and so paving a path to avoid any further legal action and associated expense. Undeterred by Postcard from the collection of Melvyn Brooks the Council’s original rebuff of their offer to take on the restoration of the terrace, the Campaigners for the preservation of historic Dalston can report with great relief Trust has moved ahead, with the help of the opening of a further chapter in the fight against the demolition of Dalston conservation architects The Regeneration Lane Terrace. Practice, to produce outline proposals, As reported in Spaces 45, OPEN continued chance of survival by Mr Justice involving the restoration of the seven (Organisation for Promotion of Environmental Foskett. With an audience of supporters, significant houses to the west end of the Needs Ltd), supported by the very generous OPEN’s barrister brilliantly and succinctly terrace, the provision of some 27 new social donations of the Enlightened and Appalled, summarised the circumstances surrounding housing units (where the current proposals including The Georgian Group, appointed Hackney’s decision to demolish the historic have none), and retention of commercial Dowse and Co. Solicitors and Matthew structures, and explained why there was space at ground floor level fronting Dalston Reed of Landmark Chambers to prepare an arguable case for reviewing its legality. Lane. Prior to the court hearing, Hackney an application to the courts to review the The judge granted additional time to hear had already expressed enthusiasm to legality of the controversial decision taken the arguments given their ‘intricacies’ and meet with the Trust’s team to discuss by the planning committee in March 2014 to without hesitation concluded in favour of the proposals, so that they may assess demolish the whole terrace. the claimant. the feasibility and benefits to Hackney of choosing a magnificent alternative course. Just days before an appointment at the A date can now be set before the end of Despite these very positive developments, high court, Hackney Planning moved November to return to court to argue the OPEN’s solicitor, Dowse and Co., has ahead to discharge all remaining conditions primary claim: that, once the condition of requested confirmation in writing from associated with the disputed approval. the structures was known, no alternative the defendant’s lawyers that they will not The implication of this was that Murphy, proposals were considered by Hackney proceed with further demolition until the Hackney’s developer partner, were in a that might have retained some part of the judicial review is heard; if assurances are not position to remove the padlocks and swing original buildings. This failure goes against forthcoming, OPEN have the funds in place the wrecking balls at the early 19th century the requirements of the National Planning to apply to the courts for an injunction. terrace immediately if the application for Policy Framework if the premise holds true judicial review was refused. that the retention of original built fabric is of Come the spring 2015 edition of Spaces, we greater importance than the benefit of an hope to be reporting a successful conclusion But on 3 October in Court 18 of the High immediate implementation of a new-build to any further legal action, and the start of Court, Dalston Lane Terrace was granted a version of the approved scheme which, to discussions with conservation specialists.

More Light, More Power disregards the local context, is not fit for towers will loom over Shoreditch, Brick purpose, is oversized and underwhelming. Lane, Spitalfields, the Boundary Estate By Andrew Kanter OPEN Shoreditch (a coalition of 12 local and Bethnal Green Road, cause significant A scheme to redevelop the Bishopsgate residents’ groups) has launched a major shadowing and wind tunnels and destroy Goodsyard, the 4.7 hectare (11.6 acre) campaign – More Light, More Power – to the character of the surrounding streets. site surrounding Shoreditch High Street lobby for a reappraisal of the site. While the proposal incorporates a one hectare (2.4 acre) park, it has only one east/ station, has been submitted for planning As submitted, the proposed scheme is an west link. Such large scale urban blocks by joint venture partners Hammerson and impenetrable development of six towers and a park largely in shadow would create Ballymore. The Boroughs of Hackney and ranging from 15 to 48 storeys, bringing dark and deserted public spaces. Tower Hamlets are validating the application Hong Kong-style skyscrapers to an historic ahead of its publication and a formal low-rise residential part of East London. In summary, residents are calling for a public consultation. The development is 40 storeys taller than mid-rise high-density solution informed Local residents and businesses have already the mid-rise TEA Building, a local landmark by the surrounding local neighbourhoods, responded based on the pre-application and regeneration hub that has fostered a human scale development integrated consultation, stating that the proposal Shoreditch’s creative community. The with accessible pocket parks; and a

02 Building Watch

comprehensive community benefits package aim remains a total residential conversion chosen. Also, that the then unnamed addressing housing, jobs and training. of the site, but as of now the ground floor contractor STRI (Scientific Turf Research is classed as a B1 office in planning use Institute) already had the contract. Interested in learning more? Visit the class terms, despite there being no office campaign website at www.morelightmore Representatives of SLM, in the spirit of activity actually being carried out! The office power.co.uk, follow us on Twitter trying to ensure the best outcome for the sham allowed the developer to rip out the @morelightpower and sign up for our marshes, later agreed to meet with the bar, remove all trace of pub fittings including ODA and STRI to discuss plans. We were newsletter at http://eepurl.com/XAzkb. the historic sign, and to construct a corridor assured that the right mix of plant species Contact us at info@morelightmorepower. which bisects the old trading space. co.uk. would be added to the turf. It was also This latest twist in the saga is bitterly agreed that regular monitoring meetings disappointing to the campaign team, led by would be open to local people to attend. Chesham Arms Churchwell Residents’ Group, who have not Although site visits with some members of By James Watson only had to suffer the loss of a much-loved the public did take place, the resulting turf community social facility but also face the was not what we were promised. daily reminder of its sad demise by being The foundation of the problem is the extra forced to live in the midst of the shabby and infill of land and plastic membrane laid to deteriorating façade, with rotting hanging replace earth and rubble removed from the baskets, peeling paintwork, closed shutters marshes when the training facility was built, and weeds sprouting through the forecourt. which made it difficult for water to drain. The outcome of the enforcement appeal The condition of the land was attributed to is expected in mid-November. See www. exceptional weather, but SLM’s view is that savethechesham.org for more information. it was made worse by the predominance of rye grass and lack of the promised variety The Chesham Arms in Mehetabel Road What Lies Beneath in the seed mix. Like the plague pits of old, the replaced ‘monoculture’ turf was a served the pastoral needs of Hackney Leyton Marsh? By Celia Coram folk for 147 years, until sold to a property different hue and felt different underfoot. Two years ago, the ‘temporary’ Olympic developer in October 2012. Registration as Leyton Marsh is managed by the Lee basketball training facility was finally an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under Valley Park Regional Authority (LVRPA), removed from Porter’s Field, Leyton Marsh, the Localism Act was ratified by Hackney who granted the ODA temporary use of following opposition from local people and Council in March 2013. The pub was the site for a fee and cost of reparations the Save Leyton Marsh campaign group also added to Hackney’s local list of non- (agreed with London Borough of Waltham (Spaces No. 37, summer 2012). Yet SLM – designated heritage assets and it occupies Forest, where the MOL land is). The LVRPA now renamed Save Lea Marshes as part of a focal spot within the Clapton Square has received compensation from the ODA its widened remit – is still battling to get the Conservation Area. and undertaken some remedial works, land restored to its former state, as well as including engaging the London Wildlife Trust The property developer, Mukund Patel of trying to prevent further loss and damage to (LWT) to carry out a species survey. They Enfield, claims to want to convert it into the marshes and other green spaces. are planning on scarifying (preparing) the four flats, but after two years there is still To recap: local people objected to land for reseeding of a more varied native no sign of any planning application. Patel’s the training facility because it was an species, which is welcomed. However, agent has attributed this delay to fighting an unnecessary encroachment on Metropolitan SLM would have preferred the LVRPA to appeal over the ACV registration followed Open Land (MOL), inflicting great damage have gone further, using a higher amount by responding to no less than three to the land and habitat of the marshes of the compensation towards improving enforcement cases by Hackney’s planning for a mere four weeks of sport. The word the land. We challenged the quality of work service. The ACV appeal was dismissed ‘temporary’ did not add much comfort: more vigorously. We continue to question and the most significant enforcement case, the nearby ice rink, erected in the 1980s the economics of leasing the land – rental relating to the unauthorised conversion of for the Commonwealth Games, was also income and reparations in thousands the upstairs into a self-contained residential supposed to be ‘temporary’! Nor did the against the long-term damage to the land – flat, was challenged at an appeal which promises to restore the land ring true – and that the ODA spent an estimated £5m was heard by the planning inspector via a work had barely started when the agreed on the temporary building. public inquiry. digging depths were compromised. SLM continues to campaign for a better When a developer chooses to challenge Prior to the 2012 Games, the Olympic future for Leyton Marsh and surrounding and resist every piece of planning and Delivery Authority (ODA) organised a areas. The challenges are great: new canal localism defence directed towards saving ‘consultative meeting’ to present three mooring works have cut back vegetation the pub, two years can soon fly by! options for restoring Leyton Marsh: and a planned ‘Hoggin Path’, will mean Meanwhile the poor old Chesham Arms reseeding (this would mean a slower return further loss of habitat; the idea of a new, remains closed. Patel used new permitted to community use); light turf; and heavy larger ice rink, possibly on its current site, development rights introduced in May 2013 turf, seeded with native species that were has been mooted and the tower blocks of to temporarily re-designate the pub as an identified as having been on the marsh. Essex Wharf cast their shadows close by. office. This temporary use is allowed for a SLM would have preferred the first option Ninety eight per cent of grasslands in Britain period of two years with prior notification to even if it did take longer, but we correctly have been lost since WW2. We must leave the Council. Patel’s agent claims that their guessed that the third option would be some green space for all our futures. 03 Noticeboard The Hackney Scout Song Book 1921- Hindle House War 1972 by Hackney Society member Melvyn Memorial Project Friends of Hackney Archives Brooks is a history of the HSSB and a Friends of Hackney Archives are looking for tribute to those Hackney Scouts killed in By Brian Longman new committee members. The committee both World Wars, who are listed on the Hindle House Estate was built in 1939 in meets about three times a year. Please Rolls of Honour in the song book. Fast- Arcola Street in the Shacklewell area of contact Robert Whytehead for more details Print Publishing, £7. ([email protected]). Hackney. The blocks of flats cover an area The Planner by Stoke Newington writer of slum clearance in Hindle and Middle Hackney Books John Campbell is a novel about a town Streets off Arcola Street and immediately Long-time Hackney Society member, Dr planner in London. Bloomsbury, £12.99. south of Hindle Street School (later Melvyn Brooks, is selling some books Shacklewell Primary School). The layout of about Hackney from his collection. Titles Hackney Society Events the flats is in two five-storey ranges around are listed at http://www.hackneysociety. a central two-storey community centre. The Annual General Meeting org/page/sale_of_books_about_hackney? flats were considered luxurious by the first Tuesday 2 December 2014, 7pm path=0p29p. tenants who previously had no bathroom or The AGM (7.30pm) will be preceded by a tour of the recently refurbished rooms at indoor toilet facilities. Church of St Andrew Hackney Town Hall. Volunteers are sought to show people As soon as the flats were becoming Meet at 7pm, Hackney Town Hall, E8 1EA around the Church of St Andrew in Bethune inhabited WW2 broke out and on 18 Booking recommended. Book online at Road when it is open. Members of the September 1940 the estate was bombed http://billetto.co.uk/hsagm2014 by enemy aircraft causing serious damage; congregation are to be encouraged to seven people were killed. After the war work with the volunteers and, ideally, to Clonbrock Road ended, the local community funded a replace them in due course. At least for Thursday 11 December 2014, 3.30pm memorial plaque for the people who lost the next two or three years, a co-ordinator Tour with Edward Lipton their lives during the conflict including those is required to ensure there is an adequate A chance to visit a house with a new front killed in the bombing, servicemen and a rota of volunteers to liaise with organisations extension and an internal reconfiguration and fireman. The stone plaque was placed on like London Open House or the Victorian refurbishment by Lipton Plant Architects. the external wall of the community centre Society. For more information, see Meet at 3.30pm, 33 Clonbrock Rd, N16 8RS where it remained for around 50 years. It http://www.hackneysociety.org/page. Booking essential. Book online at http:// was removed when the community centre aspx?idtxt=church_of_at_andrew_stoke_ billetto.co.uk/clonbrockroad was extended around 20 years ago and newington or contact Donna McDonald FREE for Hackney Society members, £5 to subsequently lost. It has since been found ([email protected]). non-members. and re-erected inside the community centre, 125 years of Clissold Park but it is damaged and the base is missing. Thanks to Kopykat for sponsoring this issue Clissold Park opened on 24 July 1889. Kopykat Printing Limited Hackney Society members Natalie and To celebrate its 125th anniversary, 76 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY Brian Longman, whose great uncle’s name Hackney Council and the Clissold Park Tel: 020 7739 2451 Fax: 020 7729 5925 is on the plaque, contacted the current User Group restored the park’s memorial www.kopykat.co.uk custodians Southern Housing Group with drinking fountain, which celebrates the Kopykat based in Shoreditch specialises in a view to starting a project that would see efforts of Joseph Beck and John Runtz, company stationery and high quality marketing the stone plaque restored and a new plaque who campaigned to save the land from material, we cover onsite litho printing, digital for the bomb victims. SHG agreed to the development. The newly restored drinking printing, copying and direct mail, environmentally plaque being restored and to the new Blitz fountain was unveiled in July this year by we have recently been awarded Green Mark accreditation and we print using vegetable memorial plaque for the bomb victims being the great-great-great-grandchildren of based inks, without the use of alcohol placed on the external wall of the flats where Joseph Beck. and deliver in an LPG vehicle. the incident took place. A third part of the project will see research information about Publications the people listed on the plaque and the local kopykat community during WW2 being used as part Beaten but not Defeated. Siegfried Design and Print of schoolchildren’s education about the area Moos: a German anti-Nazi who settled and how it was affected by WW2. in Britain by Merilyn Moos is a biography of Siegi Moos written by his daughter. Moos Spaces is published by the Hackney Society. It is hoped that the restored civic plaque was an anti-Nazi and active member of the Views expressed in the articles are not and the new Blitz memorial plaque will German Communist Party who escaped necessarily those of the Society. be unveiled on the 75th anniversary of the Germany in 1933 and, exiled in Britain, Edited by: Monica Blake Layout by: [email protected] bombing next September. To read more sought another route to the transformation Contributors: Monica Blake, Celia Coram, about the project and to keep up to date of capitalism, He spent the last years of Andrew Kanter, Brian Longman, Lisa Shell with its progress please visit and like the his life in Hackney with his wife, the poet and James Watson FB webpage Https:///www.facebook.com/ Lotte Moos. There is a plaque on the house Photos: Jack Hobhouse and James Watson HindleHouseWarMemorialProject. where they lived at 22 Gore Road. Chronos The Hackney Society Books, £17.99 (eBook £6.99). The Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm Road, London E5 0LY Hackney History, Volume 18 edited by Help support our work by T: 020 7175 1967 Isobel Watson contains articles on celebrity E: [email protected] joining the Hackney Society. in 18th century Stoke Newington, the bells W: www.hackneysociety.org Call on 020 7175 1967 of Shoreditch, mid-19th century middle class facebook.com/TheHackneySociety or email membership@ families of Stamford Hill, physical resistance @HackneySociety hackneysociety.org or visit to the Salvation Army and Laburnum Street The Hackney Society is a registered Charity (No 107459) and Company limited by guarantee (No 04574188) www.hackneysociety.org School. Friends of Hackney Archives, £4.