This project has support in principle from Hackney council and we are working directly with the Mayor of Hackney, Phillip Glanville, to make it a reality. However, no funds will be transferred to the project until parklet designs are finalised and formal approvals from all relevant departments of the council have been secured, which we expect to happen during the duration of the campaign.
We will create a 'Parklet' on Hoxton Street in conjunction with, and located outside, Humdingers café. A parklet is a small public pavement extension, usually extending two parking space lengths, combining elements like seating, trees, flowers and shrubs, bringing aesthetic enhancement to the overall streetscape. It will add some calm to this busy street and create an environment where locals, businesses, passers-by, market shoppers and people attending the soup kitchen can sit, rest, enjoy their community, and the greenery of the parklet.
What we'll deliver:
- Deck and frame with planters and seating
- Trellis for climbing plants / planting scheme in a soft, natural theme, incorporating scents and some edible plants
Why it's a great idea:
HEALTH & SOCIAL – parklets help people feel calm and relaxed; create a community space to increase social interaction; encourage active travel; and promote community engagement. This parklet will provide a community service as a place to gather during the running of the soup kitchen. More cyclists and pedestrians visit the area (impact studies have shown increased footfall and bicycle counts); and there is lower crime & antisocial behaviour (urban green space results in "more eyes on the street").
ENVIRONMENTAL – Parklets add greenery, encourage wildlife and revitalise the area by improving the street environment. And they promote a car-free culture by removing parking spaces.
ECONOMIC - Parklets promote business growth, creating jobs, bringing higher footfall into economic zones and creating economic spill over effects into surrounding streets and neighbourhoods e.g. cafes located near parklets generated a 20%-30% growth in sales following parklet installation.
Steps to get it done:
- Work with Hackney Council to gain the necessary preliminary permissions
- Create the design and licensing documents and gain final permissions and parking suspensions
- Install the parklet
Parklets are being rolled out across many UK high streets to help provide desperately-needed outdoor space for coffee shops & restaurants and for safer, outdoor socialising.
By not requiring a permanent concrete base, parklets are a much faster and less expensive way to bring improvements to a neighbourhood high street. Parklets also provide vital sustenance and homes for wildlife. It'll be great to see people, nature, bees & butterflies in harmony.
