Key Points
- Dalston Square has undergone a significant transformation with new play areas for children, enhanced seating spaces, and improved planting to create a more sociable, accessible, and comfortable public space.
- The redevelopment ceremony took place on Saturday, 6 September 2025, attended by local residents.
- The project was led by Hackney Council in collaboration with local architect studio muf* and was funded through the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
- A new memorial garden dedicated to the victims and survivors of the 1981 New Cross Fire has been created within the square.
- An exhibition space celebrating Dalston’s rich musical and cultural heritage will open on 13 September 2025.
- The redevelopment aligns with the Dalston Plan, council’s 15-year vision shaped by over 5,000 local voices.
- Upgrades in nearby Gillett Square and other town centre improvements funded under the same scheme are ongoing.
- Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, Councillor Guy Nicholson, emphasised the project’s focus on community pride and cultural identity.
- The site’s ongoing musical heritage celebration event will feature unveiled historical panels and engraved stones highlighting Dalston’s cultural figures.
What Changes Have Been Made to Dalston Square?
As reported by the Hackney Gazette, Dalston Square has been transformed with the addition of new play areas for children, upgraded seating spaces, and planting enhancements aimed at making the square more sociable, accessible, and enjoyable. This substantial upgrade was celebrated by local residents in an official launch event on 6 September 2025.
The Hackney Council led this transformative project in partnership with local architectural studio muf*, renowned for community-focused designs. The initiative was part of the broader regeneration efforts funded through the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to support social and economic recovery in local areas.
The improvements involve a comprehensive redesign to better reconnect the public space with Dalston’s cultural heritage while providing practical, user-friendly facilities for community use.
What Is the Significance of the Memorial Garden in Dalston Square?
A vital addition to Dalston Square is the newly created memorial garden. This garden is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the tragic 1981 New Cross Fire, an event deeply rooted in the community’s history.
The memorial was championed by Sir Charles Collins, a prominent club owner, entrepreneur, and music producer whose son tragically died in the fire. Sir Charles has long been a key campaigner for justice for the victims of the fire. The garden occupies a once underused part of the square, providing a peaceful and reflective space for remembrance.
How Does the Redevelopment Celebrate Dalston’s Cultural Heritage?
Further cultural recognition comes in the form of an exhibition space, scheduled to open on 13 September 2025. This space is designed to celebrate Dalston’s vibrant musical history, spotlighting famous local music venues, including the Four Aces Club, 007 Sun Valley Club, the Hideaway, Cubies, Oasis, and Roseberry’s.
The exhibition aims to foster a deeper connection between residents, visitors, and Dalston’s rich cultural background, helping to preserve and promote the area’s unique identity. The event is co-designed with the Older Generation, Younger Generation organisation, which has played a leading role in shaping the heritage elements of the square.
Who Has Been Involved in the Project and Its Broader Vision?
The redevelopment is an integral part of the Dalston Plan, Hackney Council’s vision for the next 15 years, representing the views of more than 5,000 local residents. The plan encompasses cultural, social, and physical regeneration in Dalston’s town centre to ensure sustainable growth that reflects community pride.
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, Councillor Guy Nicholson, said in a statement:
“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 Other Local Improvements Are Linked to This Redevelopment?
The improvements to Dalston Square complement ongoing regeneration in the surrounding town centre. Notably, Gillett Square, another important cultural and public space nearby, is also undergoing upgrades funded by the government. These include rebuilding the staging area and other enhancements to support community events and gatherings.
Together, these projects contribute to a broader government-backed initiative to restore public spaces and strengthen community infrastructure in Hackney.
What Events Are Planned to Celebrate the Enhanced Dalston Square?
An event scheduled for 13 September 2025 will celebrate Dalston’s rich musical heritage through a variety of features. As covered by the Hackney Gazette, highlights include:
- Unveiling a panel chronicling the history of the 19th-century Dalston theatre prior to its demolition.
- Revealing the first 10 of 150 engraved stones commemorating influential figures and contributions that shaped Dalston’s musical culture.
- An awards ceremony to honour those who have defined the area’s musical past.
- Live performances and community celebrations to engage local audiences in the square’s renewed spaces.
How Was the Community Engaged in the Redevelopment Process?
The regeneration of Dalston Square was shaped by extensive community engagement. Local schools, youth hubs, businesses, and residents’ groups participated in consultations to ensure the redevelopment met collective needs and aspirations.
This participatory approach reflects the Council’s commitment to building public spaces that belong to and serve the people who live and work in Dalston, ensuring local heritage and identity remain at the forefront of ongoing neighbourhood development.
