An absence of involvement from urban communities in research, analysis and design is resulting in a lack of engagement, community mistrust, and deepening inequalities.
Between tokenistic approaches to community engagement and a top-down approach to defining local problems and implementing change, services and programmes are not culturally relevant, accessible or inclusive of the communities they seek to benefit.
WHY HACKNEY?
The way Hackney has evolved has left people behind. Within this borough is a strong community of people who have connections, experience, and the trust and understanding which brings them together and brings to light where things could change for the better.
• A Council committed to a more inclusive economy: Our proposal aligns with the draft Local Plan and Mayor of Hackney’s Manifesto both of which commit the Council to ensuring that the benefits of regeneration are shared equally.
•A Council commitment to citizen-led service design: Hackney has a rich ecosystem of public, voluntary, community, private and tech-related organisations as set out in the 2015 Compact between the Council and Voluntary and Community Services Sector.
•The ideal location: Located next door to the City of London and with Tech City forming a vibrant part of the borough, Hackney is the perfect place for us to engage a range of stakeholders and help drive a model for inclusive gentrification, that harnesses all of Hackney’s human assets for civic value .
•A diverse and committed community of people: Our ongoing mapping of the borough has demonstrated that there are an unusually high number of people and groups who are interested in taking a more active citizenship role.
•Hackney has a tradition of being an innovative / trailblazing inner London borough: We want to continue this, and will seek to anchor ourselves in the community recruiting and growing and developing the Hub through Hackney talent, residents and infrastructure first – our end goal is a hub delivered by Hackney people for Hackney people.