Community fears loss of beloved football pitch as Hackney council builds social homes

Planning for New Social Homes at the Expense of Community Spaces

Hackney council's ambitious housebuilding programme is set to demolish a beloved football pitch in east London, known locally as the “San Siro of east London,” as part of its development plans. The Keith Miller sports pitch will be replaced by 400 new social homes, with two-thirds being council rental properties.

Unique Community Space Under Threat

Tara Darby, a local photographer and campaigner, highlights the unique nature of Keith Miller sports pitch. She explains that there is no booking system; if you turn up and find a match in progress, you can wait to play or even get invited to join as an extra player. This informal use allows teenagers to freely socialize and engage in activities.

“I don’t know where the kids will go,” Darby says, referring to the impending loss of this space.

The pitch is tucked away behind Broadway Market and London Fields, creating a unique environment that is self-governing and democratic. “It has a big wall that shields it, so it feels like its own world, a stage,” she explains. This space provides much-needed joy in an area where teenagers are heavily judged and policed.

Impact on Local Children and Youth

The loss of this space is particularly concerning for local children. A regular at the pitch notes its importance during weekends when other areas like London Fields are overcrowded with visitors. “Kids can’t go to London Fields at the weekend because it’s rammed with people drinking expensive coffees and it feels alien,” he says. The informal play at Keith Miller sports pitch is essential for these children, offering a space where they can freely engage in activities without formal rules or restrictions.

Community Response and Council Commitments

Hackney council promises that new green spaces will be provided once the construction is complete, including a football pitch. However, the temporary closure of Keith Miller sports pitch for two years has sparked concerns among community leaders. A spokesperson from Hackney council stated that they are re-providing an improved astroturf pitch as part of their plans and working with a nearby school to continue running activities for young people during construction. However, many residents believe this is not enough to mitigate the loss of informal play opportunities.

The Broader Context: A Battle for Community Spaces

The redevelopment of the area is part of Hackney council’s housebuilding programme aimed at bringing new homes to the area, with two-thirds being council homes for social rent. “Infill” projects by councils across London look for underused pockets of land on existing estates to build desperately needed homes. About 210,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, and this figure includes 102,000 children.

Similar battles have been fought in Peckham and Bermondsey in south-east London, where

Source: The Guardian