Hackney Town Hall Square

Arkwood were commissioned to develop Stage 2 and 3 proposals for a modern, updated design for Hackney Town Hall Square, led by muf architecture/art and in collaboration with Civic, Daisy Froud, Robert Bevan, Artin Light, and Camilla Beresford. Hackney Town Hall Square is steeped in history, heritage and cultural identity. Two mature palm trees provide iconic landmarks within the Grade II listed civic walls of the previous Town Hall, now repurposed as planting beds. The palms serve as a nod towards the Loddidges’ exotic plant nursery that was once a prominent fixture of 19^th century Hackney until its closure in the 1850s.

Client and Contract Period

Hackney Council

2024-2025

Project Objectives

Hackney Town Hall Square is a public civic space outside the historic art deco Hackney Town Hall which acts as a place for gathering and occasions such as weddings and events. Arkwood were commissioned to develop stage 1 and 2 proposals for public realm and planting design for the regeneration of the square. Aspects of the design proposal included improvements and changes to hard materials, level changes to improve access and drainage, street furniture, drainage, lighting, and planting including rain gardens. Much of the planting palette references the link to Loddidges’ plant nursery as well as themes that we chose to reflect the history of the space including diversity, community, protest, simplicity, and symmetry.

Issues, Challenges, and Outcomes

One of the focuses of the design was to increase the perception of safety and to provide measures to reduce prevalence of antisocial behaviour. The space already accommodates use by a wide range of people, however the new design also needed to specifically allow for the inclusion of the global majority, women, and girls. Improvements to lighting and visibility across the square were implemented in the design, with opportunities to restore the existing art deco lighting structures that frame the planters. The goal was to create a well-lit, inviting space that feels safe and engaging after dark – which has been something that needed to be addressed with the current design.

With the changing climate and increased frequency of flooding, the design explores the implementation of raingardens as part of our proposal which will also aid with enhancing biodiversity and the visual appeal of the square. Alongside these proposals and changes, we also ensured that the heritage of the site is enhanced while also being adequately modernised, and made accessible and inclusive for the public.

Services