West Hackney Recreation Ground

idverde has successfully completed the restoration of West Hackney Recreation Ground and the surrounding landscape at St Paul’s Church in partnership with Hackney Council, local residents and community stakeholders. The project revitalised one of East London’s historically significant public spaces, carefully balancing heritage conservation with the needs of a modern urban community.

Originally established as a nineteenth-century burial ground before becoming a public recreation space, the site holds significant historical and cultural importance within Hackney. Supported in part by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the regeneration programme sought to celebrate this heritage while creating a more welcoming, accessible and biodiverse environment for local residents.

Appointed as principal contractor, idverde delivered a comprehensive programme of restoration works across the site. Historic gateways, railings and stonework were refurbished, internal pathways reinstated and access routes improved to reconnect different areas of the park. Mature trees were carefully retained and protected, while new planting, woodland management and habitat enhancements strengthened the site’s ecological value.

The project also introduced improved public facilities, including new seating, cycle parking, enhanced entrances, community gardening areas and historical interpretation features that help visitors understand the site’s rich history. Existing grassed areas were restored with additional bulb planting and herbaceous borders, creating a more vibrant and welcoming landscape throughout the seasons.

Particular care was taken to conserve the site’s historic character. Existing tombstones and memorials were repaired and stabilised, historic pathways were reinstated and unnecessary hard surfacing reduced to better reflect the original layout of the former burial ground.

Throughout construction, careful planning ensured the park remained accessible to the local community. Access to St Paul’s Church was maintained at all times, while the popular weekly farmers’ market continued to operate safely throughout the programme.

The completed project has successfully restored an important historic landscape while creating an attractive public space that supports recreation, biodiversity, heritage and community life. Its quality was recognised nationally with the 2015 BALI National Landscape Award for Restoration and Regeneration Scheme.