Public works that are part of a £19 million government-funded package have been delayed by two months, Hackney Council has announced.
The project, which includes the construction of a ‘rain garden’ as well extra zebra crossings, has been going on since July while buses, cars and bikes have been diverted away from the busy intersection outside Hackney Central Overground.
“My whole journey to and from work is just a nightmare,” said local resident Indie Nelson. “I feel passionately about this.”
The council says that the redevelopment will create a “safer and healthier Hackney Central” having secured grants from the UK government as well as taking on debt for the works which will also widen pavement space and add a green space to the junction.
In a newsletter distributed to the public on 5 November, Hackney said it had “recently run into construction issues” and that the project would now finish in January.
A spokesperson from the council said: “Works outside Hackney Central Overground Station have been delayed after a large amount of buried concrete was uncovered beneath the road surface, which has slowed progress. This has not resulted in any cost overrun.”
Local Stephen King said: “It feels like a more pedestrian area […] at the minute it’s just growing pains.”
Part of the plan is to increase accessibility and foot traffic in the area to bolster local business which line all four sections of pavement and Hackney Council plans to host a festive market this winter there.
Victoria Kiss, an estate agent at Stow Brothers, has already seen a change as part of the works are wrapping up: “For the business it’s fine because we’ll get more footfall,” but was keen to stress the negative impact on their office: “It’s just so loud.”
Livio Reichenbach is a student Journalist at City, St. George's writing for the Hackney Post