The Dalston Eastern Curve Garden could be under threat under plans to redevelop the Kingsland Shopping Centre.
The first images of a multi-million pound transformation of an outdated shopping mall have been revealed - but a popular community garden could be under threat.
The Kingland Shopping Centre, in Kingsland Road, Dalston, is set to be bulldozed and replaced with a massive 14 storey building; but pictures released this week show the nearby Dalston Eastern Curve Garden being useed as a thoroughfare.
Commercial property company, Criterion Capital - which owns the shopping centre as well as the London Trocadero and the Queensmere and Observatory Shopping Centre in Slough - is currently consulting on the proposals, which could see 500 flats built above the shopping centre in tower blocks of up to 14 storeys.
The phased regeneration could see a new network of pedestrianised shopping streets, town squares and green spaces replacing the shopping centre, while the current car park would remain underneath the new development.
A spokesman for Criterion said the company is in discussion with the people who run the garden as a social enterprise about its development.
“Criterion were approached by the garden a couple of years back and asked if they could use the space,” he said, adding: “We agreed on the understanding it’s a temporary space.
“What we are aiming to do is to create a new open green space working with them.”
Around 40 per cent of the garden is owned by Hackney Council.
Criterion hope to attract independent and local businesses, as well as conventional high street names to the revamped centre.
“We believe that mix is crucial to the success of the development,” said the spokesman.
“It’s not about creating another Westfield for example, because that wouldn’t be Dalston - it needs to serve the people in the area and needs to be distinct.
“In terms of profit for Criterion at the moment, the conversation we have had with people is they don’t feel the shopping centre is the best thing about Dalston by any means.”
If given the go-ahead the phased development would begin with the regeneration of the Eastern Curve which would be replaced with a green space lined with restaurants and cafes.
The shopping centre would remain open during the development to ensure existing retailers can stay in Dalston while works take place.
The proposals will be on show at a public consultation exhibition at the Kingsland High Street entrance to the shopping centre on Friday July 19 from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday July 29 from 11am to 2pm.
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