Case studies

Marvin Street Rain Gardens

Creating a Greener Hackney: Transforming Marvin Street into a Thriving Pocket Park
Client
Hackney Council
Location

Project overview

Meristem Design collaborated with Hackney Council to revitalise Marvin Street into a vibrant green space featuring rain gardens, new landscaping, and a pocket park. This initiative supports Hackney’s vision for a more greener, healthier, and pedestrian-friendly borough. 

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Goal

The goal of this project was to transform Marvin Street into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages walking, cycling, and social interaction. By enhancing the area with new greenery, trees, and rain gardens, the initiative aims to improve air quality and road safety while bringing benefits to residents, local businesses and visitors. 

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Scope

The project included revitalising Marvin Street by converting a dead-end road into a dynamic pocket park. This involved the installation of rain gardens, tree planting, and accessible footpaths to replace former parking spaces.

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Solutions

To achieve this transformation, we implemented a series of innovative and community-focused solutions to help create a healthier environment, boost biodiversity and improve air quality and flood resilience. 

Green Infrastructure Integration

Installed rain gardens and tree planting to enhance biodiversity, air quality, and urban aesthetics.

Pedestrian Prioritisation

Replaced dead-end road space with accessible footpaths, offering a safer, motor-free route through Hackney Central.

Community-Inspired Design

Creating engaging green spaces in response to resident feedback, helping to enhance and improve the look and feel of the area.

Sustainable Connectivity

Designed a quieter, green route linking Hackney Central Station, Wilton Way, and Town Hall Square to promote walking and cycling.
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Impact

This transformation has significantly enhanced Marvin Street’s appeal and functionality. The new green space improves air quality and biodiversity, creating a healthier environment for residents and visitors. Pedestrian safety has been boosted by the introduction of accessible footpaths, making the area more inviting for walking and cycling. The pocket park supports local businesses by encouraging foot traffic and fostering a sense of community.

By reclaiming street space from motor vehicles, Hackney has taken a meaningful step towards reducing congestion and promoting sustainable, green urban living. This initiative exemplifies how community collaboration and biophilic design can redefine public spaces for wellbeing and environmental resilience.

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Before

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After

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Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens
Marvin Street Rain Gardens

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