Extinction Rebellion has started a petition to make Hackney Central London’s first green railway station, arguing for a more environmental alternative to current plans.
Earlier this year, the council announced it would build Hackney Central station a new green entrance along with some other modifications. These plans involve the closure of Extinction Rebellion’s Garden of Earthly Delights, a community garden based in a council owned plot, set up in 2019.
While Hackney Council and Transport for London (TfL) claim they have considered the environmental impact of the building, Extinction Rebellion is dissatisfied with the plans, published in October. In statements published to their Instagram and Facebook pages, Extinction Rebellion say “we can do better!”
Extinction Rebellion is currently using the petition to garner support for what they argue would be a greener alternative to the proposed plan. The petition already has over 1,000 signatures and Chiara Faliva, who started the petition, suggested “The success of the petition is a big sign that people are ready for change.”
Extinction Rebellion said: “We expect to see a low-carbon, high-biodiversity design, incorporating both the needs of commuters and the surrounding community to have access to green spaces. We would like to see more use of natural materials like wooden structures and particularly reclaimed materials.
We see an opportunity to remove the asphalt and any existing hard surfaces, to include more plants and expand the green space, and to plant trees directly into the ground.’
An Extinction Rebellion representative told Hackney Post that they are currently in discussions with Hackney Council regarding plans for a green station and a new site for the Garden of Earthly Delights. At this current time, they are looking at two possible locations in Hackney.
