A children’s play centre that has served Hackney families for more than a quarter of a century is at risk of demolition.
Owners of the Hackney Downs building which is rented by the indoor children’s playground Kidzmania said in a letter: “In our view its commercial appearance is a blemish on the street scene. Turning its back on the street, it presents a blank brick elevation on to Powell Road.”
A draft plan, prepared by developers Nicholas Taylor and Associates, has been put forward to Hackney Council.
An online petition asking the Council and the proposed developer to “put children before profit” has received more than 3,000 signatures at time of publication. Kidzmania has a capacity of around 100, and caters for all children up to 12 years old.
Anthony Kingsley, a manager at Kidzmania, told the Hackney Post: “A developer is in the pre-contract stage with the owner, looking to demolish Kidzmania and replace it with a big block of flats.”
He added: “One of the factors that would persuade the council to not allow a change of use for the building is public opinion. Of course, on the other side of the coin, Hackney is under pressure to provide more housing.”
Palmet Farah, 38, whose two children regularly use the facilities, said: “I don’t understand why they have targeted Kidzmania. My kids love it. [If the demolition goes ahead] they will be tearing the heart out of Hackney.”
Nicholas Taylor and Associates declined to comment.
Photo by klisu
