At the Heart of Hackney since 1967 2013 THE HACKNEY SOCIETY SPACENews and views about Hackney’s builtS environment Issue 42 Autumn 2013 // ISSN 2047-7465

Bridport House photos: Ioana Marinescu

The construction of Bridport House represents the first phase of the Colville Estate Regeneration, replacing a five-storey, 20-unit building with a new development of 41 socially-rented homes. The project was funded by the HCA Local Authority New Build Programme and Hackney Council. Karakusevic Carson Architects were bedroom maisonettes, 12 two-bedroom described the development as an appointed to work with the Council apartments and eight one-bedroom ‘exceptionally successful new housing following their successful submission of a apartments. Many have views on two sides. scheme’ that led the way ‘in terms of mini-competition generated by Hackney’s There are generous storage areas, and architectural quality and sustainability’. The Architectural Framework Panel. multiple balconies and terraces, exceeding Trust considered that ‘this housing block GLA space standards. The design process was integrated with is much loved by its inhabitants, decanted a full engagement programme to ensure The residents and Hackney Council into very generous and stylish new units’ that the types of accommodation, layouts were particularly focused on making truly and that the ‘building sits well within its and buildings would be popular with estate sustainable and energy-efficient housing, gritty urban semi-industrial setting, raising residents. The design team met the Estate to set a new benchmark for the wider the profile of the estate and Hackney and Steering Group and wider resident groups regeneration in Hackney and to help massively raising the bar in terms of the on over 20 occasions to refine house types, minimise costs for residents. defensible space and entrances, building architectural quality of affordable housing’. layout, and landscape and security. The site is made more complex by a main London storm sewer running diagonally contents The building is designed as an eight- and underneath. This meant that the new 01 Bridport House five-storey urban block on a narrow and building had to be as light as possible, 02 Building Watch: QECH constrained site. While the previous building and no heavier than the previous five- 02 Building Watch: 195 Mare Street turned its back on the street, the new storey building. Structural panels of Cross 02 Building Watch: Old Schoolhouse Bridport House creates a street frontage Laminated Timber (CLT) were selected 03 Building Watch: Wilmer Place onto Park that begins to define to ensure the superstructure was also the emerging street pattern of the Colville essentially zero carbon. 03 Trustees for HHBT Neighbourhood Masterplan. This frontage 04 Hackney Society News is articulated by two main entrances as Bridport House won a Civic Trust Award in 04 Noticeboard well as eight front doors to the family-sized, 2011, as well as a Community Consultation four-bedroom maisonettes at ground and Award and the Mayor’s Housing Design 04 Publications first floor levels. Above there are 13 three- Guide Award in 2012. The Civic Trust 04 Hackney Society Events Building Watch photo: James Wright QECH to be Demolished by the developers’ own independent heritage advisor, who suggested this was By David Shaw preferable to demolition. A year ago, in Spaces 38, we wrote The result will be the loss not only of the about the threat of demolition facing buildings that played a significant role in the the former Queen Elizabeth Children’s history of healthcare in East London but also Hospital in Hackney Road. In May of the local landmark that is the Hayward 2013 Hackney’s Planning Committee Building. Built in 1965, this Modernist unanimously rejected the proposal, research extension was designed by the echoing our concerns over the quality firm Lyons Israel Ellis in the ‘New Brutalism’ of the design and the failure to style. The work of Lyons Israel Ellis includes consider refurbishment of the existing the Grade II-listed Old Vic annexe, and the buildings, as well as the impact on the Hayward Building is worth a greater level nearby Park and Hackney of consideration than that afforded by both additional VAT burden, which new build City Farm. English Heritage and Tower Hamlet’s own does not. But what cannot be excused conservation and heritage officers. In August, however, London Borough of is the poor quality of the design, and the Tower Hamlets voted for the demolition of The site, which had been empty for many seemingly low threshold of ambition in all but the Hackney Road façade, in spite of years, cries out for development, but it is seeking a bold and exciting concept. over 200 letters of objection and a further disappointing that the collection of buildings Once again it demonstrates the need for 171 signatories to a petition. that currently occupies the site will be greater community action and pressure, replaced by such an uninspired, unlovely The objectors had hoped for some changes and underlines the increasing sense that and unimaginative proposal. Disappointing to what they see as a poorly designed the Localism Act requires change. Perhaps as well that other options and designs and conceived scheme that includes additional measures should be introduced were not fully explored and the views of the rooftop ‘pavilions’ that the developers to allow communities a stronger voice to objectors so readily dismissed. acknowledged were added in order to allow balance the ‘presumption to develop’. Or, some negotiation on design. Tower Hamlets Although there is no doubt that this site maybe, there should even be an opportunity chose not to impose any such conditions was a challenging one, it is perhaps not for an independent review of council or changes. Nor did they consider seeking surprising that the developers always decisions that could be triggered when a key designs that would reuse the existing favoured demolition, given the anomalous number of objections is reached. Sadly, it is structures, an alternative solution supported issue of refurbishment attracting an too late for this former children’s hospital.

195 Mare Street This, the second oldest residential building We continue to be concerned by the lack of in the borough after Sutton House, was positive action by both Hackney Council and The Hackney Society continues to be built circa 1699 and is Grade II. It is in a English Heritage in ensuring the protection extremely worried about the state of designated conservation area and noted for of this building. We were also dismayed to this building. Below we reproduce a both its architectural and social significance. see that the new owners had removed the letter from our Chair, Kevin Moore, which appeared in the Hackney In spite of that, it remains exposed to the security that had been in place over the Gazette on 19 September 2013: elements and facing an uncertain and last two years while the building was up precarious future, crumbling in the face of for sale. ‘The recent occupation by squatters at inertia and inaction. 195 Mare Street, better known as the We will be writing to both Hackney Council Lansdowne Club or the Elizabeth Fry Recently the building has again been sold and English Heritage to ask what their plans Refuge, as reported in the Hackney Gazette and, while we recognise that the new owner are to ensure the protection and preservation on 5 September, is an opportunity to ask will need time to put in their proposals for of this important historical asset and to why this important local building remains what they intend to do with the building ensure that restoration finally takes place. unoccupied and decaying after years with regards to restoration and future use, We urge residents to support us in our of neglect. there are urgent repairs that are necessary. efforts to secure this beautiful building.’

Old Schoolhouse development of academic, community and is in direct contradiction to their original charitable partnerships with the objective commitment to provide the building as a By Julia Lafferty of establishing the Old Schoolhouse as a centre for the community. The Clapton Arts river heritage and arts centre (see Spaces A collaborative project involving Trust has requested an urgent meeting 36). The Trust is in the process of re- Clapton Arts Trust, Museum of London with Vision Homes to discuss this new submitting an updated application to the development. Re-use of the building for a Archaeology and Hackney Community Heritage Lottery Fund for the production of a College was undertaken this year at scheme along the lines of that devised by the feasibility study and business plan. Clapton Arts Trust would have the potential the Old Schoolhouse at Lea Bridge. It is therefore with concern that the Hackney to bring economic and regenerative benefit As part of their coursework, students Society has learned that Vision Homes, the to the area as well as utilising the building in from the College undertook a survey of owner of the site, has submitted a planning a way which better respects its significance the Grade II-listed building. The project application to Hackney Council for residential as a nationally recognised heritage asset in a was part of Clapton Arts Trust’s on-going conversion of the Old Schoolhouse. This designated Conservation Area.

02 Building Watch

Wilmer Place park and existing functional three-storey objectors that this scheme was substantially ‘Cyberplex shed’ structure. identical to the refused scheme and urged By Nick Perry ‘consistency’. To no avail. The proximity and impact upon Abney For over two years proposals have Park Cemetery – its ecology, heritage After the Council meeting, a planning and been rumbling on for a 50/60-unit and conservation setting – had caused public law barrister who lives locally offered residential development atop a councillors some concern at the April to look closely at the planning history and 45,000-square foot Sainsbury’s meeting. However, by moving the single- came to a clear view that the process that supermarket. This would be fronted storey, windowless supermarket podium a led to the granting of permission was flawed by a five-unit façade at one end of modest two metres away from the eastern and put the public at a disadvantage in a Victorian terrace at 193-201 Stoke edge of the cemetery, developers evidently making their case. As a result of this, and on Newington High Street, hard by assuaged the concerns of Committee canvassing the community on its appetite Abney Park Cemetery, much to the members despite a packed public gallery for pursuing the matter, papers were issued consternation of the local community. expressing clear cynicism. in the High Court on 18 September, seeking judicial review of the Council’s decision. Although hailed by developers variously as With local ecologist Russell Miller, I spoke The Stokey Local umbrella coalition has an employment opportunity, a chance to against the application under the ‘Stokey launched a fighting fund to cover the costs regenerate the shabby High Street, and a Local’ banner, a loose coalition of over of mounting this challenge, which at the contribution to Hackney’s much-needed 16 groups objecting to the scheme. These time of writing has raised over £8,000 from housing stock, these arguments have included the Hackney Society’s Planning 170 people in just four weeks. The group failed to capture the imagination of many Group, the local CAACs, Abney Park will most likely have to fund defence of an locals. At the second time of asking (at the Trust, Hackney Unites, and the Hackney appeal on the refused scheme whilst the end of July), the developers nevertheless Biodiversity Partnership. Two ward judicial process takes place. persuaded the Council’s Planning Sub- councillors also spoke in objection. committee to approve the scheme, having As Spaces goes to press, the developer At the end of a 20-minute discussion dismissed a slightly larger scheme at a has submitted a new planning application, between Committee members and Council meeting in April. identical to the one being challenged in officers, four of the five members were the High Court. This the Council hopes to The scheme is much reduced from the convinced by the chair’s argument that, progress in a way that removes the technical original pre-application plans of 2011 and if the Committee failed to approve the concerns of the judicial review, but which no longer includes an underground car park scheme this time round, the developer will, they hope, reach the same conclusion – nor rises quite as high. But the development would appeal and overturn the slightly to grant permission – in time for Christmas. footplate does all but fill the entire site, larger scheme that they had refused in comprising the private Wilmer Place car April. The remaining member agreed with For more information visit stokeylocal.org.uk.

Trustees for HHBT Hackney Historic Buildings Trust (HHBT) is currently looking to recruit new Trustees to join the Management Committee. The Trust (www.hhbt.org.uk) was founded in 1986.

HHBT’s current focus is the management of two historic with Hackney Museum and Hackney Archives). The Tower is buildings: The Round Chapel in Lower Clapton Road (a Grade II* regularly opened for public and school visits. non-conformist Chapel owned by the Trust) and St Augustine’s The Trustees meet as a committee every six to eight weeks Tower (a Grade I medieval tower owned by the London Borough to review the strategies and management of the Trust and its of Hackney and leased to the Trust). In the year 2012/13 the buildings. Meetings are normally in the evening. In addition to turnover will be circa £100,000. supporting the overall objectives of the Trust, we are looking In the past the Trust has worked with Hackney Council and for individuals who could bring skills or experience in any of English Heritage to prepare studies of historic buildings ‘at risk’ the following: IT, particularly using the web and social media, in the Borough, and on occasion coordinate emergency works. building management, venue management and marketing, fundraising, care of historic buildings, and improving our links to At the Round Chapel, we employ a Venue Manager to heritage and community organisations. coordinate the hire of the building and its maintenance. This community venue is used for an annual Schools Music Festival, The commitment required from Trustees can be flexible, an annual real ale festival and various other events. Our ambition attending committee meetings, and where possible assisting the is to increase the income so that we can continue to conserve, Venue Manager to develop specific elements of the business invest in and improve this important building. model. If you are interested in helping us, we would be delighted to hear from you, together with some information about why you At St Augustine’s Tower, the borough’s oldest building, the Trust are interested, and an email address and phone number. has raised funds for works to improve access, and to install an exhibition about the history of Central Hackney (in association Contact us on 020 8986 0029; [email protected].

03 Publications Hackney Harvest on 29 September was The London Olympics may have finished, an outdoor public feast in the Narrow Way. but Hackney: an Uncommon History in Five A Childhood by A S Jasper is Tables and benches for the feast were built Parts will last much longer. Six authors tell a new edition of a memoir first published in public workshops with members of RARA the story of the borough over five centuries, in1969. The book has been described as (Redundant Architects Recreation Associa- showing how Hackney has moved from a the best working-class story since The tion) the week before the event. rural community through some sloughs of Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. Blinding despond before emerging triumphantly as Books, £5.99. Clissold House one of the most exciting areas of London. Waters of the Night: Collected Poems Clissold House has been nominated in the The members’ price is £10. 1974-84 contains the work of Howard best small event space of the year category Mingham, a gifted poet who died tragically in the Event Magazine Awards. The Grade II Clapton Walk in 1984. Born in 1952, Mingham moved listed building reopened last year following The Hackney Society has published a to Hackney when he was ten and was extensive refurbishment. It has become a new walk: From Clapton Pond to Clapton educated at School. He popular venue for celebrations. Square – and back (Hackney Walks No 10). was a member of the Hackney Writers The pdf of the walk, which was funded by Workshop. Caparison, £8. Hackney Society News Community First, may be accessed from Contemporary Library Architecture: the Walks section of the Hackney Society A Planning and Design Guide by Hackney Mailing List website (www.hackneysociety.org). writer Ken Worpole focuses on the practical We’ve been rejigging the way we issues that need to be addressed by communicate with our members and the Hackney Society Events anyone involved in library design. It includes wider Hackney community to make it easier Annual General Meeting a brief history of library architecture. for us, as volunteers, to organise. And, we Thursday 14 Nov 2013, 7.00 for 7.30pm Routledge, £39.99. hope, to make it easier for you to find out The AGM will be followed by a tour of the Too High, Too Far, Too Soon by Stoke what’s going on. Centre, a winner of the Newington resident Simon Mason is a We’ve been using Twitter and Facebook 2012 Hackney Design Awards. rock ‘n’ roll memoir of a man who survived extensively over the last year or so and childhood tragedy, Catholic boarding school Meet at 7.00pm, Hackney Marshes Centre, running events that are attracting a much and chronic drug addiction. Mainstream Road, E9 5PF. Publishing, £11.99. wider community beyond our own member- Booking recommended. Book online at ship. So we’ve decided to do a similar thing A London Year: 365 Days of City Life in http://billetto.co.uk/hsagm2013. with email and create an email mailing list that Diaries, Journals and Letters by Stoke anyone can sign up to. We’ll only be emailing Please check our website for up-to-date Newington writer Travis Elborough and from it intermittently. For instance, when information and additional events. For Nick Rennison is an anthology of short Spaces is published, when we have new queries about booking, email events@ diary entries, one or more for each day of events or books, or there’s an important bit of hackneysociety.org or phone 020 7175 1967. the year, which, taken together, provides news about Hackney’s built environment. an impressionistic portrait of life in the city Thanks to Kopykat for sponsoring this issue from Tudor times to the twenty-first century. Members for whom we have up-to-date Kopykat Printing Limited Frances Lincoln, £25.00. email addresses have already been added 76 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY to the list. But anyone is welcome to add Noticeboard Tel: 020 7739 2451 Fax: 020 7729 5925 themselves (or remove themselves) at any www.kopykat.co.uk New Design Review Panel time. Visit hackneysociety.org/mailinglist Kopykat based in Shoreditch specialises in A team of 56 professionals have been Christmas Books company stationery and high quality marketing material, we cover onsite litho printing, digital selected as Hackney’s new Design Review The search for good Christmas presents is printing, copying and direct mail, environmentally Panel. Members of the panel, which just over the horizon. The Society’s latest was established in 2006, specialise in we have recently been awarded Green Mark two books would make ideal presents accreditation and we print using vegetable architecture, urban design, sustainability not only for those who live and work in based inks, without the use of alcohol and conservation. They will provide advice the borough, but also for anybody who and deliver in an LPG vehicle. on development proposals, major planning has moved to pastures new, but remains applications and council initiatives with fascinated by the history of Hackney and kopykat urban design implications. amazed by the transformation that has Festivals taken place in a remarkably short period. Design and Print As summer drew to a close, Hackney Hackney: Modern, Restored, Forgotten, Spaces is published by the Hackney Society. hosted a number of festivals. The Chatsworth Ignored was published in 2009 to mark the Road Festival was held on 7 September for Views expressed in the articles are not 40th anniversary of the Hackney Society. necessarily those of the Society. the first time in 34 years. Organised by the The book sought through 40 buildings to Edited by: Monica Blake Chatsworth Road Traders’ and Residents’ draw attention to good quality modern Layout by: [email protected] Association, the festival included live music, architecture, recent restoration projects, and Contributors: Monica Blake, Julia Lafferty, cooking demonstrations and craft beer. buildings that were at risk from neglect or Nick Perry, David Shaw and Margaret Willes Photos: Ioana Marinescu and James Wright The Clapton Festival, now in its third demolition. Lavishly illustrated with historic The Hackney Society year, was held on 28 September. Events and contemporary photographs, it proved a The Round Chapel, included the official opening of the Wayside great success, and has now been reprinted 1d Glenarm Road, London E5 0LY Community Centre by Hackney Council with the original contents almost in their T: 020 7175 1967 Speaker Michael Desmond, a talk (Memoirs entirety, apart from a few crucial updates. E: [email protected] of an East End Guttersnipe) in the Levy The special price for Society members is W: www.hackneysociety.org Centre by Brian Walker and a reading at £12. We are planning events to relaunch The Hackney Society is a registered Charity (No 107459) and Company limited by Pages of Hackney from Travis Elborough’s the book. See our website for details (www. guarantee (No 04574188) book A London Year. hackneysociety.org).