A major transformation is underway in the heart of Hackney, as improvements to Hackney Town Hall and the surrounding square form part of the wider Hackney Central regeneration programme.
Backed by more than £19 million in funding from the Levelling Up Fund of which £5.5 million has been allocated to regenerating the town centre, the project represents a big commitment towards revitalising the borough's core.
Our involvement in Hackney Central began in November, with ongoing public realm and planting works along Amhurst Road. These improvements complement the wider regeneration by strengthening green corridors and enhancing the streetscape experience throughout the town centre.
Meristem Design installing the tree, 25th February 2026
The project will revitalise Town Hall Square, enhancing accessibility, increasing greening and creating a more welcoming, flexible public space for residents, visitors and the wider community. As climate pressures intensify and town centres continue to evolve, investment in greener, more resilient public realm is essential to support biodiversity, manage surface water and create healthier places for people.
Why is this regeneration needed?
In recent years, the borough has seen significant growth, bringing increased footfall and greater demand from its public spaces. The regeneration responds to the need for:
- An fresh design for bigger events and everyday use
- A more climate-resilient design in the face of extreme weather
- Increased canopy cover and biodiversity
- Improved walking routes and a stronger area identity
Our role in the transformation
Meristem have been invited to contribute to this project by enhancing the green cover outside the town hall. The first step of our part in the project was to install a large tree into the public gardens outside the entrance to the town hall, the biggest tree our team have planted to date (measuring 5m tall and 90cm wide). The tree was positioned to align with the pre-existing trees in the gardens to create symmetry and cohesion in the town hall's design.
Our next steps are to plant up several planting spaces that surround the area to frame the town hall and complement bench and seating features that are set to be installed.
The aims of these new planting spaces are to bring:
- Seasonal colour and visual interest
- Biodiversity-rich planting schemes
- Increased green infrastructure
- Improved rainwater management benefits
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