Key Points
- Netil360 rooftop bar and NT’s Loft nightclub in Hackney are threatened by plans for a six-storey luxury block of flats across the street.
- Planning documents submitted to Hackney Council reveal potential demolition of existing buildings at the corner of Bocking Street and Mare Street for a new four- to six-storey block.
- Netil360 warns the development could spoil its iconic skyline views and overshadow the open-air rooftop.
- NT’s Loft’s terrace and smoking area could be overlooked by the new flats, affecting the venue’s atmosphere.
- Both venues fear the luxury flats, which are not affordable housing, could drive away local customers and long-term locals.
- Rooftop Saunas Hackney, positioned opposite the proposed development, is another venue that may be impacted.
- The venues have encouraged patrons to oppose the plans by contacting Hackney Council.
- Nearby gig venue MOTH club has raised similar concerns about new residential developments in the area.
- Hackney Council’s planning sub-committee has approved other social housing projects but faces community concerns over development size and impact on daylight and privacy.
What is the New Development Threatening Netil360 and NT’s Loft?
Plans filed with Hackney Council propose the demolition of existing buildings on the site where Bocking Street meets Mare Street in East London to make way for a luxury block of flats. According to the planning documents, the proposed structure would have a four-storey base with two six-storey sections at either end. This development, located directly south of Netil360 and opposite NT’s Loft, threatens to alter the local skyline and impact the atmosphere of these popular venues.
This concern was prominently highlighted by Netil360 in a recent Instagram post. The venue stated the development would “put two of East London’s hallmark venues at risk as well as the long-term locals” due to its scale and position. The flats would tower over Netil360’s open-air rooftop and obscure its iconic views of central London, integral to the venue’s identity. Similarly, NT’s Loft’s terrace and smoking area, which overlook the street, would be overlooked by the new flats, potentially affecting the experience for its patrons.
How Are Netil360 and NT’s Loft Responding to the Threat?
As reported by journalists at the Evening Standard, Netil360 expressed frustration over what they describe as another step in the area’s “spiral for more overpriced apartments.” They pointed out that the development is not affordable housing and warned that it could discourage long-term locals who have supported these venues.
The venues have actively campaigned against the plans by urging their customers and supporters to contact Hackney Council to object. Their campaign highlights the importance of these venues in East London’s social and cultural scene, warning that their survival is at stake if the development proceeds as planned.
What Is the Wider Impact on Other Nearby Venues and Community?
The threat is not isolated to Netil360 and NT’s Loft. Rooftop Saunas Hackney, which provides luxury cold plunge pools and private sauna experiences with a skyline view, is situated directly opposite the proposed flats and could also be adversely affected.
Similarly, the nearby MOTH club, a gig venue located about a kilometre away, has recently warned of its own risk of closure due to towering residential developments. This pattern suggests ongoing tension between cultural nightlife venues and residential developments across Hackney.
What Has Hackney Council Said About the Development and Local Concerns?
Documents from Hackney Council’s Planning Sub-Committee reveal that soundproofing measures and operational management plans were imposed to allow venues like Netil360 and NT’s Loft to continue roof-top operations. However, these plans did not fully address the impact of the new blocks overshadowing venues or overlooking their outdoor areas.
The council has been balancing community concerns about daylight loss, privacy, and the overall size of developments against the pressing need for housing, including social and affordable homes. For instance, recent approvals for social housing projects on Blackwell Close were contentious due to concerns about reduced light and privacy for existing residents. Hackney Council’s planning officers acknowledged these concerns but emphasised the benefits in terms of increasing social housing supply.
Netil360 and its supporters argue these new luxury flats represent a different issue—a trend toward high-priced, unaffordable apartments that risk altering the cultural fabric of Hackney, not addressing the area’s housing affordability.
