Proposed transformations to Shoreditch parks after £90,000 cash boost

Council proposals could see Shoreditch parks being transformed into pop-up offices after a £90,000 cash injection towards utilising local spaces.

The cash was awarded to the council, along with partners Groundwork and Gensler, by the Nesta Rethinking Parks programme which rewards innovative ideas for public spaces through Lottery Funding.

Charles Square, Hackney Road Recreation Ground, Mark Street Gardens and Hoxton Square are being looked into to pilot ideas such as rentable pop-op meeting space, or working areas for staff.

The council will be forging links with local businesses and consulting them on how to maximise the potential of the parks,

The council is also keen on getting businesses on board to invest in future park projects, as well as having an input into how they could develop in the next few years.

Money raised from the plans will go towards improving parks for the communities. Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: “Government funding cuts has meant we are having to look at innovative ways to make sure our parks get the investment they deserve.

“This is a pioneering project in one of London’s most creative areas. We know that businesses value their local parks and are prepared to invest in them and the aim of this was to increase income, without reducing the experience or availability of the park to the public.”

He added: “This could be a blueprint for how we develop some of our other public spaces.”