UCL|DPU

DEVELOPMENT BRIEF
Shepherdess Walk | Daniela Godoy, Mariela Gonzalez, William Hunter, Benjamin LeclairPaquet, Xiaolu Li, Colin Maly, Sharon Tan, Punam Vaja, Andrew Wade, Karol Yanez, Zhe Yang 24.03.2009

0.0 CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Terms of Reference 1.2 Setting out the Physical and Socio-Economic Context 1.3 Summary of Policy and Planning Framework

3 3 4

2.0 Area Analysis 2.1 Urban Design Characteristics: Shepherdess Walk 2.2 Constraints and Opportunities 3.0 Objectives, Visions, Design Principles, Problematic Elements 3.1 Objectives 3.2 Visions 3.3 Design Principles 3.4 Problematic Elements 4.0 Design Interventions 4.1 Signage and Way-finding 4.2 Urban Acupuncture 4.3 Public Realm 5.0 Phasing Strategy 5.1 Phasing Plan 5.2 Partnerships 5.3 Development Process 5.4 Delivery mechanism based on cost analysis 6.0 Conclusion 7.0 References 15 15 15 15 15 16 8 9-10 11-14 6 6 7 7 5 6

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of Reference This development brief has been prepared to ensure a comprehensive approach to the development of Shepherdess Walk, located in the London Borough of Hackney. Its purpose is to address the urban structure, access and public realm of this area and propose interventions directly related to these realms with the ultimate goal of strengthening, improving, and maximizing the benefits for residents, working people, and visitors from surrounding areas. After identifying areas for improvement, specific recommendations such as the linkage of public spaces and signage are addressed through the cross-cutting theme of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. 1.2 Setting out the Physical and Socio-Economic Context Hackney is one of 12 Inner London boroughs and is located in the north-east of the city. The London Borough of Hackney has an area of 1,898 hectares (18.98 square kilometers), making it one of the smallest London boroughs (London Borough of Hackney, 2006). It is rated the most deprived borough in England and has a long history of suffering relative economic disadvantage in relation to the rest of London. The following sub-section provides a socio-economic overview of the area focusing on the themes of housing, ethnicity, age, employment and income, qualifications, market trends, and crime. Housing According to Census 2001 data, there are approximately 9,374 households in the Shoreditch area (National Office of Statistics, 2001). It is characterized by a great number of social housing estates (65.3%). Private-rented households (10.8%) are concentrated in South Shoreditch. Such private renters are likely to be university students or working professionals that can afford the high market rental rates and have been attracted to the area by its reputation as an increasingly trendy neighborhood. Ethnic Mix One of the most striking demographic characteristics of Hackney is its rich ethnic diversity. Residents from white ethnic backgrounds make up 59.4% of the population. Black and Black British residents are the second largest ethnic group in the area, accounting for 24% of Hackneys residents. This is a significantly higher percentage of

black residents than found in Inner London (16.4%) or Greater London (10.9%) (Hackney Borough Profile, 2006, p.37). Age The majority of people residing in Shoreditch are working age, defined as males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59. This group increased slightly from 66% in 2000 to 69% in 2005 (Shoreditch NDC Data, 2000-2005). The proportion of youth aged 0-15 dropped slightly from 21% from year 2000 to 19% in 2005 (ibid.). The remaining age profile is of persons considered past working age, defined as males aged 65 and above and females aged 60 and above (ibid.). This group makes up 13% of the population in Shoreditch. Compared to the rest of the Borough of Hackney, there is an exceptionally high density of residents aged 65 and above in the Shoreditch area. Employment and Income Poor literacy and numeracy as well as a lack of work-related skills are major factors that prevent Hackney residents from accessing jobs or limit them to lower paid employment. Unemployment level defines the number of people who are not employed but are actively seeking work. In 2004-2005, employment in the area stood at 55.5% of the working age population compared to 74.7% in England overall. (Hackney Borough Profile, 2006; 97). Unemployment was at 11.3% while economic inactivity was at 37% (ibid.; 98) The residents of Hackney earn the second lowest hourly rates in inner London after the London Borough of Newham. While the Hackney hourly average of 11.23 exceeds the England and Wales mean of 9.38 an hour, it remains below the London average of 12.08 an hour (ibid.; 97). This equates to a gross annual pay of 21,996, below the London average of 23,596. Qualifications According to MORI, household surveys (provided by Shoreditch Trust) in 2004, just under one in three people (29%) in Hackney had no qualifications. In comparison to Inner London, Hackney had 6.3% more people with no qualifications. However, in 2008 the number of people in Hackney with no qualifications decreased to 22% (Shoreditch NDC Data, 2004/2008).

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In recent years, Shoreditch has acquired a trendy reputation in regards to its cultural nightlife and a flourishing of creative industries which might explain a high percentage (32.9%) of residents with level four or five qualifications (first degree or higher). Market Trends The state of a boroughs economy is reflected in the wealth of its residents, its economic growth and development of the area. While the manufacturing industry has declined in the area, it has been replaced by growth in the service sector. Real estate had grown by an impressive 95% while the hotel and restaurant sector has risen by 54% (Hackney Borough Profile, 2006; 113). Crime On average, Hackneys residents have a greater fear of crime than other people in London and England (Shoreditch NDC Survey, 2000-2005). A survey conducted by MORI reveals that the local population perceives crime and environmental issues to be the problems in need of most improvement. While Hackneys total crime rate has decreased from 98.4 offenses per 1000 at-risk population to 87.2 offences, its rate remains higher than Londons crime rate (58.3 offenses per 1000 at-risk population). However, the Shoreditch crime rate (72.5 offenses) remains lower than that of Hackney (ibid.). 1.3 Summary of Policy and Planning Framework The London Plan is an integral plan for the long-term vision of the city. It encompasses five key themes: a) provision of housing, opportunities and services for all Londoners; b) opportunity for all businesses to grow; c) environmental improvement, with a clear focus on the mitigation of climate change; d) conservation of Londons distinctive character and heritage and; finally, e) safe neighbourhoods and improvement of the quality of life for all citizens. The London Plan, in order to achieve its five core objectives, has specific guidelines: Economic Activity: Promote employment for Outer Londo;, support the development of new offices and consolidate London as the world's leading international financial and business centre Housing: Maintain a suitable level of housing provision, focused on affordability, quality and protection of domestic gardens

Sustainability: Two main strategies have been identified in waste and energy. Waste reduction, recycling and environmentally friendly disposal along with a reduction in energy consumption and the efficient use of renewable energies. Additionally it points out the incorporation of high standards for buildings and infrastructure design and discourages developments that dont have adequate public transport. Transport and Movement: This strategy focuses on increasing high speed railway infrastructure, increasing pubic transport capacity for South London, Central London and East London. High quality walking and cycle routes, waterway transport, and discouraging public parking Open Spaces: Two main strategies are encouraged: a) development of green routes and assurance of high quality open spaces for all citizens; B) accessibility, cleanness, attractiveness and safety. Heritage: Ensure conservation of existing fabric and that new developments maintain the character of the city. High skylines are encouraged, but not at the expense of long-distance strategic views of heritage buildings.

The implementation of the London Plan is facilitated through local council plans known as Local Development Schemes (LDS). In the case of Hackney Council, , this was the Hackney LDS, 2005-2008. For the case of Shoreditch, there is only one strategy currently under implementation: the South Shoreditch Supplementary Planning Document. It focuses on maintaining the historical character of the area while encouraging and facilitating appropriate high quality development to promote economic growth and to position this area as an expansion of the City.

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2.0 AREA ANALYSIS 2.1 Urban Design Characteristics: Shepherdess Walk Block Structure The massive industrial volumes on Eagle Wharf Road and the closed facades of Shepherdess Walk, unnecessarily close off the Canal from this road. The structure of the blocks within this area can be described as rectangular in form, with ranging block sizes. The structure of the blocks is key in trying to find orientation through them.

Access Shepherdess Walk brings about some benefits, such as high connectivity with the main public transport corridors, and makes different facilities such as schools, hospitals, and parks accessible. The Public Transport Accessibility Levels that measure proximity to, and frequency of, public transport services to a particular site, indicate that Shepherdess Walk is highly accessible. Land uses In the Shepherdess Walk area, the percentage of Residential uses is predonimantly the highest (35%) with outdoor recreation (15%), storage and warehousing (12%) following after. Office use, industrial use, retail, educational, institutional and car parking all are under 10 % of the overall land uses in this area. Massing In Shepherdess Walk, t wo main types of clusters are identified: one physical and another functional. On Shepherdess Walk, there is higher vertical density, and in the residential blocks, a mix between two storey buildings and up to buildings in excess of seven stories. Typology The Shepherdess Walk area contains a wide array of building typologies that reflect changing approaches to design, housing, and commerce through time. Social housing represents the predominant residential typology and they are grouped in the central part of the area. There are also some geographical differences in typology and materials.

urban block diagram (Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Block Structure, Shoretditch area study, University College London)

Landmarks As a predominantly residental area, there are no regional landmarks in the Shepherdess Walk area. However, ther are a range of significant buildings of local importance. These include the Eagle Pub on Shepherdess Walk, and the Park itself.

Open Space Area There are many public and private open spaces in Shepherdess Walk. For example, Royal Oak Court an essential private open space because it represents the growing trend towards private housing development and inclusions of private open spaces in Shepherdess Walk. Spaces have the potential to be pilot projects for the client or developer to act upon or initiate.
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2.2 Constraints and Opportunities As per the urban design characteristics presented above, two main constrains have been identified. First of all, no clear sings to landmarks or connective paths that help the orientation, especially for reaching the main landmarks in the area: Regents Canal and Shepherdess Walk Park. Secondly, there is a lack of mixed land uses. Basically the area is mostly formed of residential zones and industrial volumes, giving a sense of thelack of vitality, isolated areas during different times of the day and the lack of a unique neighbourhood character. On the other hand, opportunities can be identified. The area has a range of open and green spaces and building landscapes. Additionally, the area, specifically Shepherdess Walk, accounts as good access to public transport links and it is located very close to local amenities such as schools, offices and hospitals.

3.0 OBJECTIVES, VISION, DESIGN PRINCIPLES, PROBLEMATIC ELEMENTS 3.1 Objectives A primary objective of this brief is to create safe routes that are easily navigable. This will help the pedestrian to fully utilise and benefit from the existing open spaces in Shepherdess Walk. We would also like to see the introduction of multi-functional spaces by diversifying building typology and land use. This will serve to animate the streetscape through increased commercial activity in a predominately residential area. As these businesses would cater locally, they would promote community interaction. 3.2 Vision Our vision for Shepherdess Walk is one of strong community and dynamic social interaction. Local residents will have a vast array of resources within the community that are safely and easily accessible to all, while Londoners from other neighbourhoods will openly explore the beautiful open spaces of Regents Canal and Shepherdess Walk Park. The vibrancy of the creative industries in the neighbourhood will be both a point of pride for local residents and a unique means of attracting and welcoming visitors.
existing zoning diagram: Shepherdess Walk

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3.3 Design Principles By using the existing strengths of the area as a starting point on which we build our strategic interventions, we are also addressing a crosscutting issue that permeates our proposal: security. Our localised interventions reach their full transformative potential over a variety of time scales, ranging from short-term to long-term. This approach both addresses weaknesses in the area and builds upon existing strengths. Orienting our design interventions from both of these angles, we provide a very thorough proposal for Shepherdess Walk. Furthermore, the design intervention focuses on non-motorized interpretation of the city, which fits comfortably with the guidelines of the Local Development Framework. The cumulative effect of these principles strengthens a sense of community and social interaction. 3.4 Problematic Elements There exists a lack of legibility in the urban environment. Old Street underground station and both Shepherdess Walk Park and Shoreditch Park represent important nodes of activity for Shoreditch, however the fabric between them doesnt promote interaction between these spaces. Increased legibility will both enhance perceived security and nurture an appropriate link between these existing nodes. Furthermore, the urban form is not reflective of the function and usage of certain streets in the area, namely Shepherdess Walk and Murray Grove. The second problematic element revolves around the issue of navigability and pedestrian isolation from points of interest. As it stands, paths encouraging the transition from Shepherdess Walk Park and Regents Canal (located less than 100 meters away) are nonexistent. This is partly due to the industrial scale and configuration of the buildings lining the canal, and its position below street level. A further problematic element is the homogenous and stagnant character and function of the area. Residents do not benefit from local, service-oriented businesses. In Western cities, commercial areas serve as spaces of social interaction and community. This is an aspect of urban life that is distinctly absent from Shepherdess Walk.

comprehensive intervention proposal map diagram

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4.0 DESIGN INTERVENTIONS 4.1 Signage and Way-Finding Using Regents Canal and Shepherdess Walk Park as identified strengths of Shepherdess Walk and its immediate surroundings, an opportunity is increasing awareness of these areas through improved signage. This solution provides simple and immediate implemention methods to improve the legibility of the urban landscape. While these public spaces can potentially nurture community and well-being, their potential goes largely unrealised if they are not acknowledged as areas of interest. A resolution of this issue comes in the form of strategically placed signage (see map 1), clearly indicating to the pedestrian the direction and distance of both the canal and the park. Signage should also lead people from one space to the other, enhancing the connection between these spaces. These spaces are very close to each other, yet the higher density buildings along the Canal eliminates any visual connectivity or reference to the parks and signage is a simple way to address this issue.

The use of a traditional London signage (as seen below in the City of Westminster) serves the purpose of both tying together several locations of interest, thereby informing the pedestrian of the surrounding space-uses, whilst also linking the passerby into the greater context of London.

Installing signage at the junction of Shepherdess Walk and Murray Grove would inform those less familiar with the Shoreditch area of how close they are to Shoredith Park, Sheperdess Park and Regents Canal, while also orienting them in relation to Old Street Tube Station. This location was identified as an important one for this intervention as it is at the crossing of two important local streets, and at a place where none of these important green and blue spaces are visible. The signage inside Old Street Underground Station will indicate that Exit 1, to the East side of City Road (North of the roundabout), leads to Regents Canal and Shoreditch Park. Once onto street level, further signage will guide the pedestrian North along City Road for the canal, and North along East Road for the park. Two signs will be placed along City Road, one at the junction with Shepherdess Walk (indicating the canal), and another at the junction with Wharf Road (indicating the canal and Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art). These will orient pedestrians travelling from both the West and East, bringing to their attention noteworthy spaces in the Shepherdess Walk area. Additionally, signage along the North side of the canal, at the junctions with Shepherdess Walk and New North Road, will highlight opportunities to visit Shoreditch Park and access public transport at Old Street roundabout.

The continued use of this typology of signage further integrates both parks conceptually at the London scale whilst also raising the profile of the area. This is a short-term intervention that can be delivered directly by the London Borough of Hackney. While policy frameworks can gently sculpt the urban structure over time to increase legibility and orientation within the city, strategically placed signage can immediately increase awareness of existing strengths.

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4.2 Urban Acupuncture The physical structures of a city are arguably the most determinant features governing urban fabric and the life of inhabitants. Buildings can act as edges- edges for open spaces, for streets, and as divisions between public and private realms. Typologies and the use of buildings can also define an area. A Core Strategy Development Map produced in 2008 by the Hackney Council signals two major general proposal areas for the Shoreditch area. The Council earmarked Waterfront Development along Regents Canal, which, as witnessed today, has already undergone successful attempts at regeneration in the form of mixed-use residential/commercial/office projects. The second general proposal essentially designated the majority of Shoreditch as a Tall Building Opportunity Area (Hackney Council, 2008). Although a feasible suggestion in theory due to the lack of dense structural massing especially towards the north of Shoreditch, the idea of Tall Buildings as key is debatable. In regards to development from a built-urban perspective we look more to possible interventions at a human/street level scale. In analyzing the urban fabric and built form of West Hackney, we focus on the Shepherdess Walk thoroughfare and immediate perimeter surrounding Shepherdess Park. These two locations will be targeted as Commercial Service Activity Opportunity Areas. By this we mean commercial businesses that provide services to local community and people passing through. Though not exclusively, these could include laundry facilities, local grocery stores, internet cafes, restaurants, newsstands, etc. We note a strong commercial presence at the southern tip of Shepherdess Walk that feeds off the City Road. Here, old warehouses have undergone adaptive re-use for residential and office space, many of which are of the creative industries. And as mentioned, the area around Regents Canal continues to receive a slew of modern buildings combining sometimes pricey residences with office and space for ground floor commercial businesses. However, beyond these two areas, most of the Shepherdess Walk and its surroundings streets have an often empty presence. True this is a predominately residential sector, though beyond the flats and houses, and the green open spaces of Shepherdess Park, there is not much sign of the amenities that general support life in neighborhoods Many buildings are exclusive to pure residential, pure commercial or pure infrastructure. It is not unlawful for a building to only have one use, but if the majority of buildings in an area are exclusive then there will be a resulting stagnation.
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example of street level commercial strip - proposed adaptation for Shepherdess Walk and Park perimeter

Possible highlighted sites for commercial acupuncture

Shepherdess Walk is a major penetration link between City Road and Regents Canal and therefore is a backbone of the area and essential to its sustained development. In order to transform this backbone link, we propose sites of commercial acupuncture. This entails locating buildings and parts of buildings, specifically ground floors that can be reclaimed for potential conversion that will promote activity and thus complete a coherent link between established commercial realms. The significance of this acupuncture is that it will primarily serve those local residents and their everyday routines. In a twofold manner it should also provide a more welcoming passage for those traveling through the site. If commercial activity emerges in successful ways the prevention of criminal activity should be minimized as once empty streets will become regularly inhabited throughout the entire day. People will be less isolated behind closed doors and start to form relationships, however passive with their neighbors and others on the street. A relative example to how this is already in play close by; the Kingsland Road/A10 corridor. Here a diversity of commercial business combined with residential and other typologies create a heterogeneous fabric.

intervention diagram 1: proposed acupuncture sites along Shepherdess Walk and the Park perimeter- indicated by the red dots

intervention diagram 1: future potential acupuncture sites in the immediate surrounding areas- indicated by the orange dots

lone commercial business near Shepherdess Walk This photo illustrates how mixed-use can be achieved in residential neighbourhoods. By introducing commercial functions on the ground floor of multi-storey residential units, local businesses can change the dynamic of the public realm, while offering services to local residents. This can stimulate social exchanges within the local community, as commercial strips often double as social arenas in the context of Western cities.

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4.3 Public Realm The public realm intervention will cover proposals for the open spaces networks, safe public routes and inner-block landscaping.

Overall connectivity: Open Spaces Network The creation of an overall connectivity of the main open spaces throughout the site will entail the creation of a pattern of landscaping similar to green-corridors These will connect Shepherdess Walk Park, Regents Canal, Wenlock Basin, and the other major open spaces (e.g Shoreditch Park and Hoxton Square). Through the use of uniform landscape design and retaining the individuality of each unique area, locals and other Londoners will be able to recognise the uniform high quality of the spaces.

Ex 1: Canal side development- Carr Lodge Farm, Doncaster This concept could be replicated for Regents Canal, where the functions of buildings positioned on either of its sides are typologically very different. By underlining the opportunity that a waterway in the middle of a city truly represents, the use of landscape can influence the orientation of the built environment

These will be spaces with both soft and hard landscaping. The soft landscaping will be low lying, with a range of plant and tree types used (See Example 1). The hard landscaping will incorporate street furniture, such as seating and lighting, and pavements will be treated with a uniform surface material, all along the network. In order to ensure the quality of these spaces is as high as one-another, regular maintenance of the spaces is vital. Through necessary upgrading, the level of quality of the open spaces will be of the same, high standard. As recognised through the analysis, Shoreditch Park has, for instance already undergone an extensive renovation process, and parts of development along the canal will mean parts of the canal walkway will be newly developed, in comparison to other areas. Safe public routes: Pedestrianisation This intervention seeks a more integrative vision of the area and a greater legibility through linking the open spaces within a local public realm network . Following this objective the first action is to identify a potential system of open spaces located in

diagram showing proposed areas of intervention

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strategic points within the neighbourhood. These could be used intensively use by the local community or in contrast, they could have a high state of decay and be underused. As a result of this first approach, we identified 3 areas of development for our open space and pedestrianisation proposal. 1. The first area is that formed by Napier Grove and foster street, as one of the most important areas for neighbourhood life. It contains significant community uses such as the local school, the community garden, and small shops. Additionally, Napier Grove is the most direct route between Shepherdess Walk Park and Shoreditch Park. Shepherdess Walk (the street), as the main entrance to the neighbourhood and pedestrian connection with Regents canal. Wenlock Basin and its connection with Regents Canal, as an important landscaping attribute.

2. 3.

The specific objective of our proposal is to connect these areas through a network of open spaces together with punctual pedestrian oriented interventions, such as traffic calming, urban furniture and landscaping, providing opportunities for peoples movement between the most remarkable places in the area. The enriched network of public open spaces should offer recreational opportunities as well as re-establishing the local residients relationship with their neighbourhood. Finally a greater legibility of the Shepherdess Walk area should promote the participation of the local community to recapture open spaces, making the area accessible and enjoyable for every one.

e.g. Sustrans: DIY streets and interventions such as: life in front gardens, temporary art/ childrens games, street furniture, greenery and cushions, humps and tables.

Inner-block Landscaping In order to form a sense of place, it is vital to create spaces that the residents will be able to recognise as their own and take pride in using and maintaining. Through the landscaping of small spaces between residential blocks, a network of a range of spaces, for local residents will be created and these will range from small allotment type plots, to hard-landscaped spaces. As these spaces will be for the use of the local residents, one of the vital elements is to include them in the design process. The selected sites for this intervention include: A. Public plaza on corner of Cropley Street and Forston Street (see images A), which is in the location of local shops, and the primary school, and in between the housing blocks. This intervention will involve more cohesive paving type use, the creation of seating to encourage the use of the space (see Ex. 2), especially as there is a school next to it. Also, because of the school, the creation of innovative child-orientated street furniture would enhance the use of the space (see Ex. 3).

pedestrian intervention proposal (paved cross-walks and green soft-scapes)

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In a book titled Great Streets (1995), Allan B Jacobs identifies resting areas as one key criterion for creating successful urban spaces. They can add to the pedestrian experience by adding a new dimension to the streetscape, which must offer more than commercial activities and a path for circulation to truly become a great street. This sort of resting area contributes to the multidimensionality of a street.

A. plaza before

A. plaza after Ex. 3 - A community led intervention where both access is maintained, and the use of the open space for the local residents is enhanced.(Source: Sustrans) The physicality of the public realm should encourage animation and interaction. Although social exchanges typically take place on commercial streets in the Western context, they do not have to take place inside the businesses themselves. Admittedly, as social or economic status is not a requirement for joining in (Jacobs, 1995, p. 9), streets ought to be settings for activities that bring people together (Jacobs, 1995, p.8). Placing benches or urban furniture can act as catalyst for transforming poorly used sidewalks into lively environments.

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B.

The next inner-block landscaped space is in Blestoe Walk (see images B); a very local space, which is not used for parking, and is not gated or in use for anything else. As this will be largely resident led, a possibility is temporary street art (see Ex.4 and B, after), which involves the local residents, and were there is scope to give a range of ideas a go.

Blestoe Walk is an example of a poor use of the urban realm as it represents a large hard surface, which serves no apparent purpose. In the context of London and its density, such places could be readapted to benefit the people of Shoreditch.

B. Blestoe Walk before

Ex.4 Temporary street art (source: Sustrans) Top: Young children paint the street Below: A street-art day Not all urban spaces are used throughout the week. This precedent illustrates how a zone which was not used during a weekend can be used to host a community street art event which can strengthen a sense of belonging while fostering social ties. This use of the public realm could help the people of Shoreditch achieve what they cannot achieve alone from a sociological point of view. Furthermore, it could decorate a place, giving it a

distinct identity.

B. Blestoe Walk after

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5.0 PHASING STRATEGY The range of the proposals outlined in this brief requires a range of implementation strategies to ensure the delivery of each intervention facilitates appropriate, high quality development. These can be summarised as the following: 5.1 Phasing Plan This plan set out the general timeframes for the implementation of the proposals, over the short, medium and longer term: Short Term Medium Term Longer Term

users and so they should be integrated into the development process from the outset. Other partnerships that would possibly be useful are with Transport for London, and the local primary school. 5.3 Development process For a range of the building land use conversions, and public highway proposals, planning applications will need to be submitted with the Council. Where new developments are concerned, some type of legal agreement with the developer would possibly allow for some space to accommodate mixed uses through the planning system. 5.4 Delivery mechanism based on cost analysis For the community-based proposals, the application for a possible Community Infrastructure fund would help to fund for the creation the services that will serve the local residents, particularly as vast house building has taken place in this area, and is still on-going.

Interventions
Commercial Acupuncture Open Space Network

6.0 CONCLUSION Pedestrianisation Inner-block Landscaping Way finding - Signage Establishing focal points for intervention such as public realm, urban acupuncture, and signage / way-finding, we aim to address issues of security from multiple angles, resulting in a comprehensive strategy for improving Shepherdess Walk. The implementation of our proposals seeks to address existing constraints, such as a lack of legibility and mixed-use buildings, while building upon existing opportunities. Working with the resources of Shoreditch Park, Regents Canal, and the unique character of buildings in the area, we hope to enhance a sense of community and social interaction through a newfound ease of navigation and animated streetscapes. Sustaining this trajectory of urban transformation will lead us toward our vision for Shepherdess Walk as a secure neighbourhood of vibrant community. The stepped phasing of our proposal both instigates a process of renewal while building and sustaining this process over time, eventually integrating specific interventions in urban structure, access and public realm to achieve a holistic urban design vision. Shepherdess Walk can then contribute to the character and function of the Borough of Hackney more fully and benefit Greater London under guidelines of the London Plan.

5.2 Partnerships For the outlined proposals and interventions, specific partnerships are vital to ensure the vitality and potential of each intervention is upheld. A range of the proposals cross various ownership boundaries, and so the role of the Council and developers will be crucial, as will the role of landlords and local residents. Community involvement will be one of the keystones in the implementation process, as they will be the ultimate endDevelopmentPlanningUnit

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7.0 REFERENCES

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Block Structure, Shoretditch area study, University College London Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Open space system, Shoretditch area study, University College London Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Access, Shoretditch area study, University College London Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Massing/Density, Shoretditch area study, University College London Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Landmarks, Significant Buildings and View Corridors, Shoretditch area study, University College London South Shoreditch Supplementary Planning Document, (2006), http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-planning-policy-spd-sshoreditch.htm (acceded 19march-2009) Page 158. Development Plan for London, (2002), http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plannin g/Planning/Planning_policy/udp_2002.htm (acceded 19-march-2009), Page 18. Jacobs, AB 1995, Great Streets, The MIT Press, Cambridge. London Borough of Hackney website http://www.hackney.gov.uk/xp-factsandfigures Lynch, K 1960, The image of the City, The MIT Press, Cambridge. Open Space Strategy, (2007), http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/open_space.jsp (acceded 10-march2009) Page 59

Plan Better London, (2008), http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/Transport/consultationsandresponses/planningforab etterLondon.htm (acceded 19-march-2009) Page 40 Hackney Local Development Scheme, (2005), http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-policylds.htm (accessed 19-march-2005) Pages 86 Summary Graph Hackney Local Development Scheme (2005) http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-policy-lds.htm (accessed 19-march-2005) Shoreditch NDC Data Ben Smith - Shoreditch Trust Research and Evaluation Manager Ben@shoreditchtrust.org.uk Office of National Statistics www.statistics.gov.uk

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