News

Town architect appointed for Hackney

News

Samantha McClary

07 October 2024

London

The mayor of London has appointed Holly Lewis, co-founding partner of We Made That, to the role of town architect for the London Borough of Hackney.

The new position, which is part of a two-year pilot programme funded by the Greater London Authority to support design and place-shaping ambitions, will be focused on Hackney Central.

Lewis will be responsible for providing placemaking and design advice to the London Borough of Hackney on council-led development activity in the area, ensuring it is representative of both the council’s ambitions and the diversity of the local community.

Lewis said: “Hackney Central is such an exciting place, so it’s a real privilege to be appointed as its town architect. By being more embedded within the council and having a place-wide remit, I hope to be able to push for better outcomes for the local community by realising the vision they defined in the town centre strategy.

She added: “I commend the GLA for undertaking this initiative – at a time when local authority resources are more stretched than ever, the private sector needs to share its expertise and support however it can.”

Suzanne Johnston, interim director of economy, regeneration and new homes at London Borough of Hackney, said: “Holly’s considerable expertise will complement the council’s own in-house design expertise, to make sure Hackney’s buildings and public spaces work for everyone.”

We Made That recently developed the Hackney Central town centre strategy, which sets out a 10-year vision and delivery plan for the area. Lewis’s role will be to oversee and guide the implementation of the strategy, ensuring efforts are coordinated across the borough between various stakeholders and the community.

Lewis also sits on the High Streets Taskforce and the Design Council.

Town architect roles are being put in place in nine other locations across London. The pilot forms part of the mayor’s Local Growth Capacity Support Programme, supported by £1.2m of MHCLG funding. Some £180,000 is dedicated to the town architect programme.

Send feedback to Samantha McClary

Follow Estates Gazette

Holly Lewis, town architect

The mayor of London has appointed Holly Lewis, co-founding partner of We Made That, to the role of town architect for the London Borough of Hackney. The new position, which is part of a two-year pilot programme funded by the Greater London Authority to support design and place-shaping ambitions, will be focused on Hackney Central. Lewis will be responsible for providing placemaking and design advice to the London Borough of Hackney on council-led development activity in the area, ensuring it is representative of both the council’s ambitions and the diversity of the local community. Lewis said: “Hackney Central is such an exciting place, so it’s a real privilege to be appointed as its town architect. By being more embedded within the council and having a place-wide remit, I hope to be able to push for better outcomes for the local community by realising the vision they defined in the town centre strategy. She added: “I commend the GLA for undertaking this initiative – at a time when local authority resources are more stretched than ever, the private sector needs to share its expertise and support however it can.” Suzanne Johnston, interim director of economy, regeneration and new homes at London Borough of Hackney, said: “Holly’s considerable expertise will complement the council’s own in-house design expertise, to make sure Hackney’s buildings and public spaces work for everyone.” We Made That recently developed the Hackney Central town centre strategy, which sets out a 10-year vision and delivery plan for the area. Lewis’s role will be to oversee and guide the implementation of the strategy, ensuring efforts are coordinated across the borough between various stakeholders and the community. Lewis also sits on the High Streets Taskforce and the Design Council. Town architect roles are being put in place in nine other locations across London. The pilot forms part of the mayor’s Local Growth Capacity Support Programme, supported by £1.2m of MHCLG funding. Some £180,000 is dedicated to the town architect programme.