When you think of fashion you tend to think of the West End not the East End. Instead East London may make you think more along the lines of Eastenders with its market stalls and sometimes wild fashion tastes – if you are not from around there.
But Hackney Council has recently approved plans for a new multi-million pound ‘fashion hub’ which will be sure to change opinions of the region for good.
Construction on the fashion hub will begin next year and is a joint venture between Manhattan Loft Corporation and Chatham Works Limited. But what can we expect to see once the hub is complete?
The proposals for the commercial development state that there will be enough shops to choose from as five to seven floors, plus the basement will be occupied by retail outlets. Teaching facilities will also be utilising the space, which includes a stitching academy and apprenticeship and training opportunities. No hub is complete without a restaurant which is hoped will encourage visitors to stay around, as well as a pedestrianised area, so people can explore Hackney.
The new development was welcomed news to London Mayor Boris Johnson, who spoke of his delight about putting the “area on the map.”
He said: “It is great news for Hackney that a major new fashion hub has got the green light, helping to put this vibrant area on the map as a retail destination and providing support for aspiring young designers to boot.
“This is part of an exciting wider economic regeneration of Hackney, including a £2m investment from my regeneration fund, which will completely revamp the high street, and create hundreds of jobs and training opportunities for local people.”
Do you live in Hackney? Do you welcome the new fashion hub or do you think the area could have been put to better use?
Previous Post
Veteran Retailer repeats call for Business Rates Review
