Dalston Square Revamped: Cultural Heritage and New Cross Fire Memorial

Key Points

• Dalston Square has been transformed with new play areas, seating, and planting to enhance sociability, accessibility, and comfort.
• The square’s revamp reconnects the space with Dalston’s rich cultural history.
• A new memorial garden dedicated to the victims and survivors of the 1981 New Cross Fire has been created.
• Entrepreneur Sir Charles Collins, whose son died in the fire, was a key campaigner for the memorial.
• An exhibition space celebrating Dalston’s historic music venues will open on 13 September 2025.
• Dalston Square was originally created in 2009 alongside Dalston Junction Overground station.
• Government funding via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund supported the improvements.
• The revamp was led by muf architecture/art in collaboration with local residents and organisations, guided by the Dalston Plan.
• Dalston Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Guy Nicholson, emphasised the importance of culture, creativity, and community in the town centre.
• A celebratory event on 13 September will feature a panel on Dalston’s theatre history, engraved stones commemorating local music icons, an award ceremony, and a performance by reggae band Black Slate.

What changes have been made in the revamped Dalston Square?

An improved Dalston Square was launched for the local community on Saturday, 6 September 2025, following extensive transformation work. The square now features new play areas designed for children, along with additional seating and planting to create a more sociable, accessible, and comfortable public space. This redevelopment aims to integrate Dalston’s rich cultural heritage with the daily life of its residents.

As reported by the Hackney Council News, the project was delivered in collaboration with local architectural firm muf architecture/art. The design focuses on placemaking, reconnecting Dalston Square’s identity with its historical and cultural roots, ensuring the space reflects the community’s pride and diversity.

How does the New Cross Fire memorial garden fit into the redevelopment?

A significant addition to Dalston Square is a new memorial garden situated in what was previously an underused part of the square. The garden honours the victims and survivors of the 1981 New Cross Fire, a devastating event in the area’s history.

Sir Charles Collins, a club-owner, entrepreneur, and music producer whose son tragically died in the fire, was a key advocate for justice for the victims and championed the creation of this memorial. The garden stands as a poignant reminder and tribute to those affected by the fire, integrating remembrance into the community-focused redevelopment.

What cultural heritage elements have been added to Dalston Square?

An exhibition space dedicated to celebrating Dalston’s vibrant music heritage is set to be unveiled on Saturday, 13 September 2025. This space will highlight the contributions of several iconic local music venues, such as the Four Aces Club, the 007 Sun Valley Club, the Hideaway, Cubies, Oasis, and Roseberry’s.

The exhibition aims to educate both residents and visitors about Dalston’s important role as a cultural hub within London’s music scene, preserving the legacy of these entertainment landmarks.

What is the historical and planning context for Dalston Square?

Dalston Square was originally created in 2009 in conjunction with the development of Dalston Junction Overground station. The square and adjacent Gillett Square are seen as key parts of the town centre’s physical, cultural, and social fabric.

According to Hackney Council documentation, the recent improvements to Dalston Square and ongoing upgrades to Gillett Square are part of a broader vision to reinforce Dalston as a vibrant community focal point. Funding for these projects was secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Importantly, this initiative aligns with the Dalston Plan, a 15-year strategic framework shaped by feedback from over 5,000 local residents and organisations. The Plan focuses on safeguarding Dalston’s unique character and fostering inclusive community growth.

What do local officials say about the redevelopment?

Councillor Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, highlighted the integral role of culture and community in Dalston’s identity. He stated:

“Dalston is a neighbourhood where culture, creativity, commerce and community come together to make a unique town centre, and this is something the Council continues to celebrate and prioritise. These projects place the town centre’s identity front and centre, and give residents the spaces that reflect Dalston’s pride in its past and optimism and ambition for its future”.

What events are planned to celebrate Dalston’s musical heritage?

The celebration continues with a community event on Saturday, 13 September 2025, which will spotlight Dalston’s musical and theatrical heritage. Organised in collaboration with the Older Generation, Younger Generation organisation—which has contributed significantly to the heritage components—the event will feature the unveiling of a panel that traces the history of Dalston’s 19th-century theatre through to its demolition.

Additionally, the first ten of 150 engraved stones will be unveiled, recognising individuals who have significantly contributed to Dalston’s vibrant musical past. The event will also include an awards ceremony and a performance by Black Slate, a reggae band with strong historic ties to the area’s entertainment venues and regarded as one of Hackney’s most cherished music groups.

How was the redevelopment funded and developed?

The government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund financed the Dalston Square improvements. muf architecture/art led the redevelopment alongside key local partners with extensive community engagement.

The project engaged with local schools, youth hubs, businesses, and residents’ groups to ensure that the transformation reflected the needs and aspirations of Dalston’s diverse community. This collaborative approach aligns with the ambitions outlined in the Dalston Plan.

What other improvements are planned in Dalston’s town centre?

Alongside Dalston Square, upgrades are also underway at Gillett Square, one of the first new public squares introduced by former London Mayor Ken Livingstone. This includes rebuilding the staging area to enhance cultural events and social gatherings. Both squares aim to reinforce Dalston’s role as a cultural, social, and commercial hub in Hackney.

Why does the Dalston Plan matter to the community?

The Dalston Plan is a strategic document that guides development and regeneration aiming to respect and enhance Dalston’s unique character. It prioritises safeguarding local heritage sites, improving green spaces, supporting sustainable transport, and fostering a vibrant cultural economy.