Save Clapton Tram Depot
Anyone familiar with property development in Hackney will know that ‘progress’ generally means sweeping existing residents out of an area, and replacing them with richer ones. Perhaps the most depressing instance of ‘get what you’re given’ officialdom is focused on the centre of Dalston - OPEN Dalston has the whole story.
Anyway, the latest rash of unimaginative flats is likely to be built on top of the old Tram Depot on Upper Clapton Road. The Depot is home to lots of small and successful businesses, including an accident repair centre (above), and a thriving bunch of artists.
Upper Clapton is the area of London I first lived in, when I stayed at my cousin’s old flat back in 1998. It has its problems, and much of it could do with sprucing up. But I really don’t think destroying one of the most beneficial amenities in the immediate community is the way to do it.
If you agree, I’d recommend signing the petition here. Quickly.
If you don’t, ask yourself whether you’d really like to see yet another development that looks like this:
And push businesses like these out:
I know what I’d prefer. If you agree, visit this page to sign the petition and find out how you can help.
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They’re building yuppie flats in a depressed part of east London on the cusp of a serious economic downturn? I’m tempted to say let them go ahead; they deserve all they get.
Comment by bill — 5th October, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Key-rist
Sorry, but I have Hackney Planning Fatigue from the “Save the Vortex” campaign.
The lesson I learned? Don’t expect Hackney Planning to do their jobs, much less stop a commercial deal.
I’ve been to an art exhibition at the Tram Depot - I thought then if I won the lottery how I’d like to buy it.
Looks like someone’s beaten me to it. Least if I would have been able to buy it, I would have kept it for what it is. That’s a dream. All we can hope for now is the damn property developer’s gone bust.
Fuckers.
Comment by kris — 7th October, 2008 @ 1:16 am
Does anyone know when the decision will be made?
Comment by Alison Battisby — 22nd October, 2008 @ 3:46 pm