The Life and Death of Shared Surfaces

In our office on Rivington Street, we’ve had the unique vantage point of observing the transformation of a small junction in the heart of Shoreditch, right on our doorstep.

Initially, we were optimistic as London Borough of Hackney led by example, turning this space into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area. They removed barriers and delineations to calm cars and to communicate that this is a zone where foot traffic takes priority. This approach made perfect sense given the consistent flow of people through the area, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.

At the time, we praised the council for their vision and commitment, but more recently, this public realm improvement has ground to a halt, reverting to the pre-existing conditions that put cars front and centre 💔.

This reversal of such positive progress highlights the importance of continuous investment and maintenance. It’s a reminder that innovative ideas need ongoing support to sustain their initial success, and we urge Hackney Council and all stakeholders to revisit and revive the original vision.

Come on Hackney! 🛠️✨