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Designs for a new pocket park in Hackney Central have been unveiled, with work to start this summer on repurposing a dead-end street into an open, public green space, prioritising safety and wellbeing for the local community. The project will be the first to be delivered from £19 million of government "Levelling Up” funding and is part of our plans for a Greener Hackney Central.In December 2023, the Council launched a consultation with residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders in Hackney Central about plans for a new pocket park community space on Marvin Street and proposed changes to adjacent streets - 72.3% of people who responded supported the proposals.As part of the Council’s work to engage as many people as possible about the project, many shared their concerns, ideas and suggestions. Here are just some of the ways we have incorporated this feedback:To address comments about night time use of the pocket park, the designs prioritise space for children to play and for the community to enjoy the garden while passing through. The designs provide places to stop and rest, but the seating is designed so that it won’t encourage night time gatherings. To address comments about the loss of car parking space, a review of parking demand was undertaken and found that in the area directly affected by the Marvin Street project, over 70% of households do not own a car or van and 40% of all journeys in Hackney are made on foot. A desire for more trees than planters, native or wildlife-friendly planting for biodiversity and ensuring plants were suitable for all seasons were some of the suggestions for greenery on Marvin Street. The Council is working actively to select plants and trees that require low maintenance and are aesthetically pleasing all year round.In response to requests for the inclusion of loading bays to accommodate deliveries, the designs include a 10m loading bay to service residents and businesses.In response to comments about safety, lighting on Marvin Street will be unchanged by the project. Narrowing the carriageway width will allow for safer pedestrian crossing of the street.Some people mentioned concerns about road closures. The Marvin Street project is not introducing a new road closure. Where road closures have occurred in Hackney, this has seen more people switch from private car use to walking or cycling. A quarter of people in Hackney report walking or cycling more following the introduction of active travel policies, a representative poll of local residents found.Two cycle hangars and a dedicated cycle hire bay are included in the Marvin Street designs in response to requests. In response to comments about signage, clear signage indicating a no through road will be installed.Other projects which will be delivered as result of Levelling Up funding in Hackney Central can be found here. Consultation launched on the redesign of Town Hall Square earlier this month. You can share your thoughts, ideas and memories of the square here.Read more about the proposals for a Greener Hackney Central

An update from Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, on engagement with protestors in the Town Hall Square.Further informationTwinned townsThe Council is twinned with Suresnes, Haifa and St George’s. The relationship with Haifa in Israel is a civic one dating back to 1968.  As with all of Hackney’s twinning relationships, it is non-political, non-sectarian and multi-faith.The Council does not have an active role in managing the links; they are self-sustaining based on the community connections that have built up over many years. PensionsWe know that some residents and communities have concerns about some of Hackney pension fund’s investments. Responsibility for the pensions fund, which pays the pensions of retired key workers, sits with Hackney Pensions Committee, which has a legal duty to ensure the pension fund generates sufficient returns to keep paying these benefits. Its investments are in standard pooled funds, where the Pension Fund does not hold direct stock in any company. These indirect investments in companies active in Israeli settlements represent about 0.1% of the pension fund’s value.While it is unlikely that the Pensions Committee could make changes without risking breaching Law Commission guidance, responsible investment remains at the forefront of the Committee’s agenda.The Fund was able to divest from its Russian holdings after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 because international sanctions on Russia meant that there were long-term financial concerns associated with the assets, a permitted rationale in the Law Commission guidance. The imposition of sanctions on Russia by central government also meant that the decision aligned with UK Government foreign policy, and could therefore confidently be said to be lawful. 

A one-day art festival, an exhibition and documentary showcasing the history of a legendary Carnival sound system, and a young people’s National Theatre Connections show, are among the projects celebrating the theme of Hackney’s 2024 Windrush Generations Festival Past. Present, Future.Funded by Hackney’s Windrush Microgrant Scheme, five Hackney-based community groups, not-for-profit organisations and venues have received grants of up to £2,000 for events and activities that preserve, expand or enrich the legacy of the Windrush generation, reflect the Council Motion acknowledging the current fight for justice, and empower Windrush descendants with positive representation and opportunities to develop skills.In addition to the annual Windrush microgrants, Hackney-based Windrush descendant artist Wayne Snooze has been awarded the new Windrush Amplified Art grant. Inspired by hand-drawn signage seen in Jamaican shops, Snooze’s images using traditional screen printing techniques, will be displayed across three sites in the borough in June, and shared on Love Hackney’s website, Facebook and Instagram. This year’s Windrush Generations Festival programme will feature:All in the Same Boat by Clapton CommonsWednesdays 5, 12 & 19 June, 3-5pmAll In The Same Boat explores the forgotten story of 66 Polish war refugees who arrived in the UK on the Empire Windrush boat. All ages are welcome to join for a series of events involving film screenings, map explorations, art making and poetry. Clapton Commons will uncover this unknown chapter of history and reflect on stories of displacement.Common Rooms at Clapton Commons, Cazenove Ward, London, E5 9BW.Wind/Rush Generation(s) by Hoxton HallThursday 13 June, 7-8.45pmJoin Hoxton Hall for an unforgettable theatrical experience as talented 16-21 year-olds take center stage to perform a captivating play that explores the profound and poignant story of Windrush. The theatre are thrilled to be a part of a vibrant community of young performers, bringing to life a powerful narrative that resonates with history, culture, and the human spirit. Followed by a Q&A with the directors and cast members after the performance. Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH.Thank You Papa Awards by Thank You OrganisationSunday 16 June, 2-7pmFather’s Day awards ceremony honouring the work of Windrush fathers past and present in the community, plus an educational quiz and an intergenerational dinner and dance. Limited £10 tickets available. Suitable for all ages. Mellow Mix, Banqueting Hall, Stoke Newington, London N16 7UR.The Mighty Ruler Sound System exhibition - The Return to HackneyWednesday 19 - 26 June, 10am-6pmAn exhibition at Hackney Archives hailing the history of the infamous Mighty Ruler sound system, including a short documentary looking at how West Indian music, brought over by the African and Caribbean Windrush population, played a key role in breaking down barriers in the 50s-70s. Hackney Archives, Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, London, E8 3BQ.A Wind Rush of Creative Experiences by The Bop HubSaturday 22 June, 10am-4pmA one-day festival across three Hoxton locations (Hoxton Gardens, Hoxton Market and Hoxton Works), for residents of all ages, including art workshops inspired by African and Caribbean artists, film screening plus soca dancing and a history workshop. Suitable for all ages. Hoxton Works, 128 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SH; Hoxton Trust Gardens, 156 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH.On Windrush Day (22 June) a plaque will be unveiled in Stonebridge Gardens, Haggerston to mark the planting of three trees dedicated to the legacy of the Windrush generation, people invited by successive governments between 1948 and 1971 to relocate to Britain from their homes in Commonwealth countries to help rebuild post-war Britain. This will be followed by a free intergenerational family event, representing the future of the Windrush generations, featuring an afternoon of music, song and face painting. Hosted by the Council at St John’s Church from 1-3.30pm, families are invited to enjoy performances inspired by the legacy of Windrush from the Baby Broadway gospel choir, singer Chloe Carter, reggae legends Jah Bunny and acts from talented young residents due to perform at this year’s Hackney Carnival. Tickets are free and can be booked via the Love Hackney Eventbrite. Visit the Windrush Events Calendar to find out what’s happening.NotesClaudia Jones Organisation If Windrush has affected you and you suffered losses because you could not confirm your legal status, you may be eligible for compensation from the government. The Claudia Jones Organisation, with over 35 years of supporting African Caribbean women and families in Hackney and surrounding boroughs in London, provides free and confidential advice. Email info@claudiajones.org or call 020 7241 1646 between 10am-6pm.

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, has announced three new Cabinet and Deputy appointments and six Member Champions to help Hackney Council realise its commitments to becoming a fairer, greener, healthier and safer borough that works for every child in Hackney.The changes were announced by the Mayor on 15 May at her first annual council meeting since being elected to the role.Former Deputy Cabinet member Councillor Sade Etti will now serve as a full Cabinet member for Housing Needs and Homelessness, while Councillor Sam Pallis and Councillor Joe Walker will provide additional support as Deputy Cabinet Members.Councillor Pallis will oversee the work around developing an inclusive economy, focusing on empowering local businesses, cooperatives, and social enterprises, as well as fostering community wealth building. Councillor Walker will be the Deputy Cabinet Member for Strengthening Neighbourhoods, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Voluntary & Community Sector and supporting resident engagement.Cllr Pallis is due to start his new role on Monday 3 June, while Cllr Walker will start his position over the summerThe six new member champions will each support the Cabinet by advocating key priorities: Climate Justice and Fairtrade Champion: Councillor Gilbert Smyth will advocate for a just transition and fairtrade.Disability and Inclusion Champion: Councillor Joseph Ogundemuren will work across services, supporting inclusion and the development of the disability forum.Green Infrastructure Champion: Councillor Sarah Young will champion new green initiatives as well as support delivery of the Green Infrastructure Strategy.Heritage Champion: Councillor Sheila Suso-Runge will help to ensure the stories of Hackney’s rich heritage reflect people as well as historic buildings and assets.No Place for Hate Champion: Councillor Ian Rathbone will highlight the ongoing work in Hackney to ensure it is no place for hate.SEND Champion: Councillor Anya Sizer will champion the cause of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a focus on social, emotional and mental health.None of the new appointments will incur additional special responsibility costs over the current Cabinet arrangements. A full list of the Cabinet and their roles and responsibilities can be found at  https://hackney.gov.uk/cabinet