Amhurst Road

Meristem Design has been working in collaboration with Hackney Council since October 2025 to transform Amhurst Road into a vibrant green corridor connecting Hackney Downs and Hackney Central Overground stations. This ongoing project is part of Hackney Council’s broader vision to create a safer, greener, and healthier town centre. The scheme introduces sustainable planting, rain gardens, hedges and trees to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and provide social and environmental benefits for residents, commuters and visitors.

Building on previous projects such as Marvin Street and Downham Road, the Amhurst Road transformation includes grasscrete surfaces, wildflower bulbs, hedging and additional habitat features. So far, over 1,500 m² of planting, rain gardens, and hedging have been completed with the project continuing to develop into a linear park that supports both pedestrian safety and community engagement.

The project aims to transform Amhurst Road, a busy pedestrian and traffic route, into a green and accessible linear park. Key objectives include:

• To introduce new greenery and biodiversity to a previously hard, concrete-dominated street.
• Improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
• Enhancing the town centre experience by providing spaces for relaxation, play and social interaction.
• Reducing air pollution and managing surface water through rain gardens and sustainable drainage solutions.

The Amhurst Road project focuses on the stretch of road between Hackney Downs and Hackney Central Overground stations. The scheme includes:

• Over 1,500 m² of new planting, including hedges, rain gardens, wildflower beds, bulbs and grasscrete areas
• Tree planting to increase canopy cover along the road
• Revamped public spaces to improve pedestrian accessibility and encourage social activity
• 21 urban – greening add-ons and extras to promote pollination and human engagement

The transformation forms part of Hackney Council’s broader plan to improve the Pembury Circus junction, improve traffic flow and create safer, greener routes through Hackney Central.

The Amhurst Road project transforms a busy urban area into a safer, greener and more inviting public space. By combining strategic planting and rain gardens with improved pedestrian safety, the scheme will create a space that enhances both the environment and community experience.

The Amhurst Road transformation is beginning to deliver significant social, environmental and community benefits. By reclaiming public space from vehicle traffic, introducing diverse planting and improving pedestrian safety, the project is creating a more welcoming, vibrant and sustainable urban environment. Residents, commuters and visitors now have access to a green space that supports biodiversity and enhances the overall quality of the town centre.