‘I am here’ – art project launched in Hackney

An art project is underway to improve the appearance of homes awaiting demolition on a stock transfer estate in the North East neighbourhood.

The Haggerston West and Kingsland estates, situated either side of the Regent's Canal in Hackney, transferred to housing association L&Q a year ago. They consist of 480 flats, dating from between the wars and the immediate post-war period, which L&Q plans to replace with 761 new flats and houses as well as a new community centre.

When consulted about estate improvements, residents’ top priority was to have the estates looking more attractive while they wait for the new homes. They wanted L&Q to remove orange boards - originally installed on the windows of empty properties before L&Q took over – if possible. They felt they contributed to making the area look derelict.

As a response to this, artists living on the estate have come up with an innovative art project called ‘I am here’. It aims to create a more positive image for the area and interest in the regeneration project as well as masking the empty properties. Sixty-seven high resolution portraits of local residents are being installed to give Samuel House in Haggerston a complete facelift. They are already starting to provide a striking façade visible from boats on the Regent’s Canal, from the canal side walkway and from the opposite bank.

Download the press release