Stepping stone homes in Dalston Lane

An application for Planning permission has recently been submitted for 15-19 Dalston Lane for the retrofit and refurbishment of an existing Victorian Terrace in the centre of Hackney into 27 affordable studio homes with retention of the existing ground floor use as a pub. 

Working closely with clients Centrepoint and Safe Haven London, the scheme is to deliver housing for Centrepoint's Independent Living Programme (ILP), an initiative that aims to provide secure, independent studio homes for 18-25 year olds who are employed and on Hackney's social housing waiting list. The proposal aims to provide 27 of these, which are a minimum of 24 sqm and identified by the GLA as a specialist housing model.

Adaptive reuse of the existing building, that has remained predominantly vacant for many years, repurposes the existing structure to minimise the carbon impact of new construction and maintains the unique character of the terrace. Reconfiguration of the building at the rear of the site, faced in reclaimed brick, will help formalise the north facade of the building as well as creating the necessary volume for the 27 new studio homes. A partial roof extension finished in zinc will also support the provision of accommodation and open out on to a private roof garden for the new residents to enjoy.

Reinstatement of the shopfront at No. 15, with alterations to Nos. 17-19, increases the active street presence for the existing pub. The new Shopfront to No. 15 will retain the existing rhythm of ground floor frontages along Dalston Lane, whilst ensuring No.15 and Nos.17-19 remain visually distinct, ensuring street-level legibility and vitality.

The existing building at No.15 Dalston Lane features the iconic Hackney Peace Carnival Mural, designed by Ray Walker in 1983, and unveiled by Walker's widow Anna and fellow artist Mike Jones in 1985. Through ownership of the building, our clients will become the next custodian of the Hackney Peace Carnival Mural, ensuring this local piece of public art is protected and safeguarded for the future. 

A public drop-in exhibition was hosted at the existing pub, Farr's, in July this summer. The project team invited local residents, community groups, Hackney Councillors and passers-by to chat about the proposal, hear people's thoughts and answer questions on the ILP scheme as well as comment on the design of the proposal.