Hackney's Major Development Pipeline for 2026
Hackney enters 2026 with an ambitious slate of key developments as the council strives to accelerate housebuilding across the borough and revitalise crucial public spaces. From substantial housing projects to leisure facility upgrades, the local authority is progressing multiple initiatives that will shape the area's future.
Central Hackney's Public Realm Transformation
The borough's public spaces are set for significant enhancements this year, including new paving installations and restoration work on Grade II listed lamp posts. These improvements, funded by a £19 million government-backed regeneration package, aim to complement the Town Hall's distinctive 1930s art deco architecture while upgrading nearby junctions with improved crossings and dedicated cycleways.
Hackney Central Library will receive its first major refurbishment since opening twenty years ago, with £800,000 allocated from the same town centre fund. The council confirms these upgrades will enhance accessibility, introduce new digital capabilities, and create additional workspaces for community use.
Meanwhile, Hackney Museum remains closed throughout 2026 for substantial redevelopment work made possible by £2.2 million in National Lottery Heritage Funding secured in 2025.
Addressing Social Housing Pressures
With 40% of households in social housing and 8,500 families on the waiting list, Hackney faces particular housing challenges. The council's 2022 initiative to deliver 1,000 new social rent homes by 2026 has seen 956 completed so far, with Mayor Caroline Woodley expressing confidence about reaching the target "very soon" through new construction and ex-council property buybacks.
Major housing projects advancing this year include a £150 million development adding 341 homes to the De Beauvoir Estate, with 45% designated for social rent. The King's Crescent Estate in Stoke Newington will see 219 mixed-tenure homes progress alongside a new community centre, commercial units, and improved public spaces.
The Colville Estate regeneration continues with 93 new mixed-tenure homes planned across two plots, more than half at social rent, complemented by a new community centre and green energy facility supplying low-carbon hot water to the estate and nearby Britannia Leisure Centre.
Woodberry Down's Continuing Transformation
The twenty-year regeneration of the expansive Woodberry Down estate enters its next phase in 2026, following council approval of the masterplan for phases 5-8 last September. Since Berkeley Homes and Notting Hill Genesis began redeveloping the post-war estate in 2009, over 2,300 new homes have been created, though the project has faced controversy over reduced social rent quotas and plan modifications.
Construction begins this summer on 511 new homes at the Manor House site, with approximately 43% classified as affordable. Upon completion, currently estimated for 2035, the project is expected to contribute £12 million toward local infrastructure improvements including road and drainage systems.
King's Hall Leisure Centre Restoration
The Victorian-era bath house in Clapton undergoes comprehensive refurbishment beginning imminently, with the council promising a transformation comparable to Hoxton's Britannia Leisure Centre overhaul. Working with operators Greenwich Leisure Limited and architects Faulkner Browns, the Grade II listed building will be restored while adding modern amenities including a refurbished pool, sauna, steam room, expanded fitness suite, and new accessible entrance.
The centre closed on Christmas Eve 2025 to prepare for construction starting in February, though the project has faced controversy regarding unisex changing room designs following recent Supreme Court rulings on equality legislation.
Sustainable Street Improvements
Hackney continues its '21st Century street' programme with major works scheduled for Dalston's Colvestone Crescent this spring. Following initial improvements five years ago that included green spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and traffic controls, the next phase will remove 22 parking spaces while creating new pedestrian and cycle zones, play areas, and levelled kerbs for improved accessibility.
The council will install CCTV to address antisocial behaviour and illegal parking, while decisions continue regarding the redevelopment of the former Colvestone School building, designated as an Asset of Community Value in 2024.
Morning Lane Development Controversy
The future of the Tesco site at 55 Morning Lane remains contentious, with community organisation Morning Lane People's Space criticising the council's consultation process as inadequate. Despite council assurances about resident involvement in co-designing proposed housing blocks, the group alleges exclusion from key meetings and insufficient transparency.
Mayor Caroline Woodley has defended the council's community engagement efforts, stating they "go above and beyond to consult and engage with people" while acknowledging the importance of community input in shaping Hackney's development future.
