PUBLIC REALM + STREET DESIGN |
Hackney Central Transformation | Hackney Council
Urban Movement was commissioned by Hackney Council to lead designs (RIBA 0-3) that transform Amhurst Road into a Green Corridor, as part of Hackney’s £19m LUF funded regeneration project. UM’s expertise across traffic engineering, landscape architecture and urban design was essential for understanding the technical issues and opportunities along the street, and working with local people to develop ambitious proposals.
In addition to work along Amhurst Road, UM designed a series of additional spaces around Hackney Central to support the transition from Grey to Green in the town centre. Marvin Street, off Graham Road, provides an important link to the new Hackney Central Station Entrance and the neighbourhood around London Fields, and was the first to be delivered in October 2024.
The Amhurst Road Transformation rebalances the corridor by reducing through traffic, improving walking, cycling and bus travel, and creating greener, safer public spaces. Historically, Amhurst Road has functioned as a heavily trafficked urban corridor, creating separation between surrounding residential neighbourhoods and Hackney Central town centre. Despite its strategic location, the street environment has prioritised vehicular throughout over pedestrian connectivity, safety and public realm quality.
The scheme introduces a coordinated package of interventions to address these challenges, including targeted traffic management measures, reallocation of carriageway space, junction simplification and enhanced pedestrian crossing provision at key desire lines. These transport changes are complemented by public realm improvements and the introduction of greening and sustainable drainage features, enhancing both environmental performance and street character.
The result is a calmer, more legible and more accessible corridor that strengthens local connectivity, improves conditions for walking and cycling, and supports more reliable bus movement through reduced conflict and improved network efficiency. Amhurst Road is focused on improving connectivity, reducing severance, enhancing climate resilience and rebalancing the town centre around sustainable movement and public space. Within this wider context, Amhurst Road acts as a key corridor intervention that helps reconnect surrounding neighbourhoods, improve access to Hackney Central town centre and support a healthier, greener and more resilient urban environment. Amhurst Road Transformation Scheme is a corridor-scale transport and public realm intervention that rebalances one of the area’s key north–south routes in favour of people, place and sustainable movement.
https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/streetscene/reimagining-amhurstroad/
Team
Client - Hackney Council
Lead Designers (RIBA 0-3 public realm, landscape, highways) - Urban Movement
Planting + Green Infrastructure Delivery - Meristem Design
Contractors - Marlborough Highways
In addition to work along Amhurst Road, UM designed a series of additional spaces around Hackney Central to support the transition from Grey to Green in the town centre. Marvin Street, off Graham Road, provides an important link to the new Hackney Central Station Entrance and the neighbourhood around London Fields, and was the first to be delivered in October 2024.
The Amhurst Road Transformation rebalances the corridor by reducing through traffic, improving walking, cycling and bus travel, and creating greener, safer public spaces. Historically, Amhurst Road has functioned as a heavily trafficked urban corridor, creating separation between surrounding residential neighbourhoods and Hackney Central town centre. Despite its strategic location, the street environment has prioritised vehicular throughout over pedestrian connectivity, safety and public realm quality.
The scheme introduces a coordinated package of interventions to address these challenges, including targeted traffic management measures, reallocation of carriageway space, junction simplification and enhanced pedestrian crossing provision at key desire lines. These transport changes are complemented by public realm improvements and the introduction of greening and sustainable drainage features, enhancing both environmental performance and street character.
The result is a calmer, more legible and more accessible corridor that strengthens local connectivity, improves conditions for walking and cycling, and supports more reliable bus movement through reduced conflict and improved network efficiency. Amhurst Road is focused on improving connectivity, reducing severance, enhancing climate resilience and rebalancing the town centre around sustainable movement and public space. Within this wider context, Amhurst Road acts as a key corridor intervention that helps reconnect surrounding neighbourhoods, improve access to Hackney Central town centre and support a healthier, greener and more resilient urban environment. Amhurst Road Transformation Scheme is a corridor-scale transport and public realm intervention that rebalances one of the area’s key north–south routes in favour of people, place and sustainable movement.
https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/streetscene/reimagining-amhurstroad/
Team
Client - Hackney Council
Lead Designers (RIBA 0-3 public realm, landscape, highways) - Urban Movement
Planting + Green Infrastructure Delivery - Meristem Design
Contractors - Marlborough Highways
