Hackney art project launched

An art project is underway to improve the appearance of homes awaiting demolition on a stock transfer estate in the North East neighbourhood.

The Haggerston West and Kingsland estates, situated either side of the Regent's Canal in Hackney, transferred to housing association L&Q a year ago. They consist of 480 flats, dating from between the wars and the immediate post-war period, which L&Q plans to replace with 761 new flats and houses as well as a new community centre.

When consulted about estate improvements, residents’ top priority was to have the estates looking more attractive while they wait for the new homes. They wanted L&Q to remove orange boards - originally installed on the windows of empty properties before L&Q took over – if possible. They felt they contributed to making the area look derelict. As a response to this, artists living on the estate have come up with an innovative art project called ‘I am here’. It aims to create a more positive image for the area and interest in the regeneration project as well as masking the empty properties.

Sixty-seven high resolution portraits of local residents are being installed to give Samuel House in Haggerston a complete facelift. They are already starting to provide a striking façade visible from boats on the Regent’s Canal, from the canal side walkway and from the opposite bank. L&Q, contractors City Building Services and Taylor Wimpy and other sponsors have supported the artists to make this project happen. Its installation coincides with the first empty blocks on the estate becoming ready for demolition, an important landmark for both residents and L&Q.

Lukman Ahmed, L&Q Operations Manager, said: “This project will look great, and by listening to our residents we have been able to help contribute to something which will make a positive impact on the local environment.”

The official launch of the arts project was on 13th September. L&Q staff joined residents for an event to mark the occasion.