Queen’s Yard set for partial demolition

The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick is to take centre stage in plans to develop Queen’s Yard.

Hatton Garden Developers have submitted plans to demolish part of the yard, including one warehouse that is a “heritage asset”.

They plan to build 116 new homes, as well as shops and offices. The new theatre will expand the current building by 293 square metres. It is to be funded by the developers and leased for a “peppercorn rent”.

Rida Hamidou, from The Yard Theatre, said: “We’re really pleased that the development plans for Queen’s Yard include the re-provision of The Yard Theatre.

“We’re working with Pearl & Coutts and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to understand what this will look like and ensure grassroots cultural activity continues to thrive here.”

But some are worried the development will price them out.

“We don’t want no yuppie flats, we’re happy with our rats,” said Hackney Wicker Eyko Jones on Facebook. 

Leo Wood added: “Developers are so shortsighted if they fail to see the value of genuinely quality cultural spaces and cafes and then knock them down to make way for soulless overpriced apartments.”

A spokesperson for the LLDC said they did not comment on planning applications. “Any objections to a development are considered by the planning officer when drawing up their report and recommendation and again when the application goes before the Planning Decisions Committee.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment outside of this process,” he added.

Queen’s Yard is situated in the Hackney Wick Local Neighbourhood Centre and the Fish Island and White Post Lane Conservation Area.