The Officer Executive Decisions of Hackney Council are scheduled to consider proposals for improvements to the Hackney Downs Station area. The meeting will also review policy documents related to transport, road safety, and environmental quality.

Hackney Downs Area Improvements

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Hackney Downs Area Improvements scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the public realm around Hackney Downs Station and surrounding streets, including Dalston Lane, Sigdon Road, Wayland Avenue, and Amhurst Road. The proposals include the installation of new pedestrian crossings, widening of footways, relocation of bus stops, and the introduction of more green spaces with trees and planting.

The report indicates that the scheme is intended to support the Hackney Central Town Centre Strategy, making the area more welcoming, accessible, and safe for public transport users. Specific changes planned include:

• Hackney Downs Station and Dalston Lane Junction: This area is set to see the introduction of a new parallel zebra crossing on a raised table on Dalston Lane, widening of pavements, installation of new public seating and planting, relocation of a modal filter, and repositioning of bus stops. Wayland Avenue and Sigdon Road are proposed to become two-way, with some parking bays removed to improve visibility.
• Amhurst Road Junction with Sandringham Road: Improvements here involve a new parallel zebra crossing, widening of pavements, and the introduction of buildouts. While some parking bays will be removed, four new ones are proposed.
• Wayland Avenue and Navarino Road Corridor: This section focuses on enhancing the local street environment with a new raised parallel zebra crossing, buildouts, shared surface areas, and increased greening. Parking bays will be removed to accommodate these changes.

The report also details plans to expand the existing School Street zone on Sigdon Road, which is currently in place for Mossbourne Parkside Academy. This expansion is intended to mitigate potential traffic displacement issues arising from the proposed two-way operation of Sigdon Road and Wayland Avenue.

The proposals are part of a larger £19 million Levelling Up Fund programme for Hackney Central, aiming to deliver public realm improvements, enhance the town centre environment for pedestrians and cyclists, and reduce the impact of through traffic. The report notes that public engagement was carried out between July and August 2025, with feedback indicating broad support for the overall aims but also raising concerns about issues such as the two-way traffic conversion on Sigdon Road and Wayland Avenue, traffic displacement, and the design of cycling infrastructure.

The report includes an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) which examines the potential positive and negative impacts of the scheme on individuals with protected characteristics. It concludes that the scheme has an overall positive impact, particularly in improving health, safety, and air quality, while acknowledging potential negative impacts on a minority of car users due to parking changes.

Policy Context

The meeting documents also outline the policy context for these proposals, referencing several key council strategies and plans:

• Hackney Transport Strategy: Approved in November 2015, this strategy aims to improve walking, cycling, and public transport conditions, supporting borough priorities such as promoting transport equality, reducing obesity, supporting the local economy, and improving air quality.
• Road Safety Plan: Hackney Council is committed to reducing road traffic casualties and improving the perception of the borough as a safe place to walk and cycle.
• Hackney Town Centre Strategy: This strategy sets out a vision and plan for the future of Hackney Central, focusing on championing its character, wellbeing for all, a fair economy, and a green and resilient environment.
• Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP): The borough has an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) designation, and the council must have an action plan to improve air quality. This scheme aims to address some of the plan's objectives.
• Mayor of London's Policies: The Mayor's Transport Strategy and Vision Zero initiative aim to increase walking, cycling, and public transport use, and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network.
• Climate Action Plan: This plan outlines an integrated approach to tackling climate and ecological issues, with commitments to expanding cycling infrastructure, converting roadside parking, and reducing motor traffic.

The report details the evidence base considered, including traffic counts, speeds, road safety data, bus passenger flows, station usage, and air quality monitoring. It also outlines the proposed design and expected outcomes of the improvements.