In 2019, the London Borough of Hackney appointed LUC to lead the community-led improvement project in Shoreditch Park.

Our approach involved engaging the community to identify necessary improvements to the park. The goal was to deliver a park that would serve the local community, both old and new.

In association with the wider Britannia Development Scheme, the Council allocated £2m to deliver improvements to Shoreditch Park.

Community involvement was crucial in shaping the project, aligning with Hackney Council's vision of inclusivity and community involvement.

LUC collaborated with a wide range of individuals and organisations to help create a park that exceeds expectations and delivers exceptional benefits to the community.

The project exemplifies collaboration across a diverse range of stakeholders. This included the local community, public and private sectors, and various professional partners such as engineering, ecology, and planning.

Through a comprehensive two-stage consultation process involving 2,000 community members, their needs guided the project decision-making.

Governance was a key aspect of the project’s development, with a project steering board comprising council officers, councillors, and relevant specialist bodies. This was a driving force behind the project’s success, fostering ownership and collective responsibility.

The scheme demonstrates a deep commitment to considering the impact and benefits for all users.

By incorporating local knowledge and feedback into the project’s goals and objectives, Shoreditch Park has been transformed into a space that provides multiple benefits to a wide demographic of users.

The community identified key areas for improvement with a primary focus on health and well-being.

This included:

• enhancing expanding sports and fitness facilities;
• enhancing ecology and biodiversity;
• refurbishing the playground;
• addressing safety concerns at night and for cyclists;
• improved signage and interpretation;
• additional park furniture establishing park entrances and identity; and
• upgrading sports pitch conditions.

Community consultation and engagement guided the incorporation of ecological improvements.

The collaborative approach transformed the public space to resonate with the community's aspirations and desires authentically.