The Officer Executive Decisions committee met on Friday 20 March 2026 to discuss improvements to the Hackney Downs Station area. The committee decided to abandon the proposed Hackney Downs Area Improvements scheme.

Hackney Downs Area Improvements

The committee decided to abandon the proposed Hackney Downs Area Improvements scheme. This decision followed a review of public engagement feedback, which highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposals. The scheme aimed to improve the public realm around Hackney Downs Station, aligning with the council's Hackney Central Town Centre Strategy and the wider Levelling Up Fund programme.

The proposed improvements included the installation of new pedestrian crossings, widening of footways, relocation of bus stops, and various parking and traffic management changes across Sigdon Road, Wayland Avenue, Amhurst Road, and Navarino Road. The project also intended to support the Access for All programme, which aims to make railway stations more accessible.

However, public consultation revealed strong objections to several key elements, particularly the proposed conversion of Sigdon Road and Wayland Avenue to two-way traffic. Concerns were raised about safety near schools, increased congestion, parking loss, and traffic displacement to neighbouring streets. There were also objections to the design of cycle crossings, with calls for clearer segregation and direct routes. Residents also expressed worries about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour in new public spaces and the adequacy of maintenance for new green areas.

Despite the council's stated aims to improve safety, sustainability, and accessibility, and the alignment with policies such as the Hackney Transport Strategy and the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy, the significant public opposition led to the decision to abandon the scheme. The report noted that while the scheme had potential positive impacts, such as improved air quality and safety, the negative impacts and public concerns were substantial enough to warrant its discontinuation. The council acknowledged the need to address issues like dangerous driving, pollution, and station accessibility, but the specific proposals for this scheme were ultimately not pursued.