Kings Crescent

Sound Bath 12 Oct
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Dear Sound friends,
this Thursday 12 October I am back to the Hackney Showroom for a Sound Bath Meditation.
Time is 7.00 to 8.00 PM .
If you need more information about the session please contact me anytime.
We have some yoga mats to lay on it, I suggest bringing a blanket and a little cushion to make you feel warm and totally comfortable.
I really hope to see you soon.
Best sounding wishes.
Marco

Further sessions:
16 November
7 December

www.soundsalvej.com

Autumn Family Fun Party
2023-10-28 15:00 - 22:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
https://my-my-dreams.sumupstore.com/product/charity-autumn-family-fun-day

Resident Steering Group Meeting
2023-11-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Resident Steering Group‘ meetings happen every few months. Kings Crescent residents can apply to be in the RSG and it is a chance to meet with Hackney’s Regeneration Team, architects, builders etc to discuss the plans for the next round of new buildings and refurbishment of existing blocks on the South of Kings Crescent Estate

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 28th November 2023

Those Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)
Residents:
EP, JWM, EV
KH, ES, PS, RS
PA, PD, KM, AF
(Names removed on website version for privacy)

In Attendance:

Ron Greenwood (RG)
Chey Brown
Jane Haverson
Menekse Saitoglu
John Morris (minutes) (JM)
Lee Walsh (LW)
Vincent Raymond (VR)

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley
Mulalley

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from Carol Squires

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 17th April 2023 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes were agreed as a true record, although they were circulated several months ago. CP and JM committed to pick up any actions that were noted in April.

3.0
Enabling works for phase 3&4 – Mulalley

3.1

LW and VR gave a presentation; slides HERE.

Questions and subsequent discussion as follows:

PA – when will the sewer problems in Weston Court be picked up? There should be information on this issue from before.
VR – we need to do comprehensive surveys of all components to ascertain the extent of all potential problems.

KH – how will the height difference between old and new blocks be dealt with?
VR – buildings will follow a gradient.

EV – for clarification, Casbeard St will be closed from approx. Sept 2024 onwards?
VR – timings on street closure depends on response times of utilities companies. Mulalley will close the street as late as possible. Also, if there is likely to be a prolonged period of inactivity between end of prep/enabling works and start on site, Mulalley would be willing to consider a temporary re-opening of the street.

CP recorded thanks to residents for their feedback and to Mulalley for reconsidering the access route onto site.

KM – what can be done with the new hoarding?
LW – Mulalley will change all the hoarding; existing has been in place for many years and there will be a new hoarding line. Mulalley very open to ideas to e.g. paint the hoarding using local young people or street artists. Easter holidays might be a good time to start to organise this.

AF – the presentation mentioned the possibility of access works from Green Lanes affecting the bus stop opposite.
LW emphasised that it may be necessary to move the bus stop – not take it away – to accommodate a layby opposite on the Sainsbury’s side of the road. Mulalley will be talking to Highways about this.

PA – the tree on Murrain Rd that will need to be relocated could be planted in a space near Sainsbury’s.
VR – Mulalley are flexible about where trees that need to be moved can be re-situated and it will be done after discussion with LBH and the community. VR emphasised that any relocation will be done by an experienced arboriculturist and any trees that do not need to be moved will be fully protected.

PA – is the Datchworth arch high enough for construction traffic? And will it be possible to open Queens Drive at its junction with Green Lanes so vehicles do not have to come down all the way down Queens Drive?
LW – yes, there will be no problem getting appropriately sized vehicles through this point. The access to Queens Drive from Green Lanes will not be opened, although if it could be it would be very helpful. Feedback from discissions with Highways will be provided.

PD – on the same point, there will be disruption to more people with traffic approaching along Queens Drive.
LW – LBH will not want to keep the gate open and it could not reasonably be overseen by a marshall/banksman who would have to open it for construction traffic while preventing all other vehicles from also driving into Queens Drive. A permanent opening here would create a rat run from Green Lanes at periods of high traffic density. However, LW committed to speaking to Highways about this and feeding back either at the next meeting or via Ron.

JWM – will there be certain times of the day when deliveries will be made to site?
VR – school run times will be avoided, so traffic will be allowed access only from 8.30/9.00 a.m. and only up to approx. 3.00/3.30.

EP – what will happen to the trees on the Green Lanes/Queens Drive corner (where DZ6S will be)?
VR – there are trees that will be too big to move; the machinery to do this doesn’t exist in the UK. Mulalley will carefully work around trees and have to be careful not to affect the root structures.

KM sought clarification on timelines.
LW – we are about 20 weeks into the original programme for redesign and cost optimisation process. Starting enabling works now and seeking all relevant permissions during 2024 should ensure alignment with a start on site in 2025.

LW to feedback from discussion with Highways

LW to feedback from discussion with Highways

4.0
Approach to future Social Value work with Mulalley – Source

4.1

JM – further to discussions with Mulalley and LBH, Source are keen to facilitate the formation of a residents group specifically to look at Social Value issues with Mulalley, the TRA and Hackney Showroom. This could consist of a number of residents who are not on this RSG but who have an interest in Social Value issues.
CP – Councillor Adejare would like to promote any opportunities that might emerge for Parkwood School students. Other areas of interest could be: funding/resourcing the Youth Club, the hoarding decoration project, funding/support for making the allotments work better for residents. CP added the idea mooted earlier this year of establishing a memorial as part of the public realm works to residents who passed away during the covid pandemic. EV also mentioned a sustainable energy project.

Source to start work on facilitating a Social Value steering group Q1 of 2024

5.0
ITLA update

5.1

JM – Source have continued to run monthly drop in sessions between 4.00 and 6.00 pm for any resident to call in for an update. The last one of the year will be on 12th December and will be advertised as an opportunity to see Mulalley’s proposals as presented tonight.

6.0
Any other business

6.1

CP asked about the other workshop sessions that have been discussed for 2024.
RG – once a firm programme has been agreed, it will be possible to align workshops with the relevant elements of the design/cost optimisation process. Subjects for workshops are likely to focus on play/public realm works, refurbishment details and the new community centre fit out.
LW – the public realm discussions will be the first priority as this will need to be included in the minor planning amendment application and discussions could start around Easter 2024. Workshops on design modifications for the refurbishment and the new community centre might be appropriate mid to late summer 2024.

KM asked for confirmation that the planning application will be for minor amendments (S73).
LW – yes. The footprint of the buildings will not change (except possibly and slightly, DZ6S), but this will impact on the need to now build a second staircase within the affected blocks.

KM – the quality of materials is also important.
LW – there are budget concerns but the client wants quality maintained and Mulalley’s design team will be working closely with LBH’s design guardians.

ES asked that RSG is informed of design changes. He also requested a commentary on where savings have been made in order for residents to understand how the cost optimisation has been achieved.

RG – residents will no doubt be interested in the impact of cost optimisation on how buildings will look. A presentation on the revised designs can be provided prior to the S73 application.

KH – what is the latest thinking on programming of the refurbishment and new build?
LW – it will be one construction period, although for the refurbishment, there is still discussion to be had with residents around a quicker but more disruptive programme or a less disruptive but slower programme. To re-emphasise, the Building Safety Regulations affect all existing blocks as Weston Court is +18 metres high and is connected to the rest of the south side blocks. Also, services infrastructure is also linked between southside existing homes and new build, so e.g. fire strategy, road network will be established across the whole estate.

CP – the last LBH Cabinet meeting considered an update on the KIngs Crescent scheme and asked if this could be circulated as it is a public document. NB timescales mentioned in it are now out of date.

Mulalley and LBH to provide details when able

JM to circulate with presentation and minutes

7.0
Date of next meeting

Next meeting will be in March 2024, date to be proposed nearer the time.

The meeting ended at 8.15 pm

Actions
By when
Who?

Feedback from discussion with Highways on moving Green Lanes bus stop
Next RSG
LW

Feedback from discussion with Highways on possibility of opening gate to enable access to Queens Drive from Green Lanes
Next RSG
LW

Work on facilitating a Social Value steering group to start
Q1 of 2024
Source

Details of where design changes have been made and how cost optimisation has been achieved
Q4 of 2024?
Mulalley and LBH

Report to November Cabinet on Kings Crescent regeneration to be circulated with Mulalley presentation slides
With minutes by 11/12/23
JM

Winter Market 2 Dec 2023
2023-12-02 14:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
There’s a chill in the air which means its time to get ready for our Winter Market…
Whether hunting for the perfect present or browsing for something interesting to buy whilst sipping mulled wine & enjoying the tunes,
please join us on 2 December for a festive indoor market.
All welcome!
Free Entry
Santa will be there approx 3-5pm

To book a stall please go to: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/winter-market/

Source Regeneration Update Drop-in
2023-12-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Resident Gathering 10 Jan 7pm
2024-01-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Meet your neighboursHackney Showroom

Meet the Contractor
2024-07-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
An opportunity to catch-up with the Council and Developer about the next phases of development on Kings Crescent. This will include the refurbishment of the Southside blocks (Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth & Weston Courts) and building new buildings and courtyards in the space in the middle of the estate.

Regeneration drop in 2 Oct 4-6pm
2024-10-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

TRA community meeting & AGM 9 Oct
2024-10-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
If you live in Kings Crescent, you are a member of the resident’s association and are warmly invited to all Tenants & Resident Association events
October Community Meeting & AGM
09 October 7.00-8:30pm
Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

AGM
This meeting will start with the ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) where the new resident’s group committee will be voted in.
***We really need new members! Please get in touch if you’re interested in joining the TRA committee***
Everyone living on Kings Crescent Estate is automatically a member of the TRA and a committee of residents is elected at the AGM to lead the group. All KC TRA committee members contribute their time and skills on a voluntary basis.
If you are interested in joining the committee please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com or call 07926568497

Community Meeting
This community meeting is hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
Pizza and refreshments will be provided!

Why be involved in the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA)?

contribute to taking action on issues which affect Kings Crescent
meet your neighbours
improve our community
decide how we spend funds available for community activities
represent residents and make your voice heard
get involved in projects (e.g gardening club, youth club)

Meeting Agenda:

2024 AGM & Community Meeting
Agenda
09 October 2024 7.00-8:30pm

Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Agenda Item
Suggested timing

Lead

1
Welcome & Pizza

Pizza & refreshments
Introductions (including apologies for absence)
15 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

2
Formal TRA AGM

a. Approval of minutes from the last AGM (20 Sept 2023)
b. Treasurer’s Report (Alice)
c. Chair’s report (Remi)
d. Election of New TRA Committee
e. Any other business related to AGM
f. close of AGM

30 mins

Rob Wade
(Hackney Housing Officer for Kings Crescent)

3
Community Meeting

· Approve minutes from last community meeting (July 2023)
· CDF update
· Youth club update
· Gardening/allotments update
· Hackney Showroom update
· Resident questions, ideas, suggestions etc

40 mins
TRA Chair & committee members

Residents

4
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & events
Close
5 mins

TRA Chair

Centre Point Fundraiser
2024-10-19 15:00 - 22:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
More information about Centre Point here:
https://centrepoint.org.uk/ending-youth-homelessness

Kids Halloween Party
2024-10-31 16:00 - 19:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
The fantastic Youth Club team are hosting a Halloween Party for the local children – all welcome
Free!
There will be a face painter, crafts, games, food, drinks etc
Come along in your costumes (but only if you want to dress up)

Regeneration drop-in 6 Nov 4-6pm
2024-11-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Winter Market
2024-11-30 14:00 - 19:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift or browsing for something interesting to buy while sipping mulled wine and enjoying tunes, join us for a festive indoor market.
We will also have Christmas activities for your little ones, including films and, of course, Santa’s grotto!
Book a free slot for Santa’s Grotto HERE.
Polar Express film will be shown from 2.30pm, then the Grinch!

Allotment Event
2025-02-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Resident Meeting 12 February 2025
2025-02-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Meeting Minutes
Attended by:
Attended by:

Robert Wase – Hackney Housing Officer
Cllr Clare Potter – Hackney Brownswood Ward Councillor
Nnem Nwosu – Hackney Resident Participation Officer

Molly – Hackney Showroom
12 residents from various blocks (names removed for web version)

Prior to the official meeting the Housing Officer for Kings Crescent Robert Wase was available from 6-7pm in Hackney Showroom for 1:1 conversations with residents regarding housing concerns. Minutes were not taken for this section but a summary was given by Cllr Potter at the start of the meeting. The summary prompted further questions and conversations that are documented below.

Agenda Item

Discussion

Actions

1
Housing issues

Cllr Clare Potter gave a summary of the housing conversation prior to the meeting

1a. Lifts
Ongoing resident concerns about the number of lift outages and incidents in various blocks (mainly in newer blocks) and potential impact on increasing service charges.

Can send individual concerns to Cllr Potter in addition to reporting to repairs team. Clare.Potter@hackney.gov.uk

Some discussion around the overheating issue that was identified. Cllr Potter believes this was addressed by Hackney but residents stated the lifts improved for a while but now breaking again

Residents questioning value for money regarding lifts and service charges overall

Struggling to find commitment from individuals /departments within Hackney to deal with this ongoing issue

Response from Higgins: ‘it’s Hackney’s problem’

JWM – are we beyond the defect period yet? Council has been maintaining lifts for 5 years, is default period 10 years?
Sept 2017 moved in, official handover 2018, lifts built before that though.

Questions from Residents:

– Are the lift breakdowns definitely being added onto service charges
– Why is emergency button not working?
– Who takes responsibility to check repairs have actually been repaired properly? (Sometimes things not fixed when repairs say they are or they break again soon after the fix).

Residents in newer blocks are updating a spreadsheet of the lift issues. Permission to share with Cllr Potter? Is it up to date?

Emergency button is an ongoing issue, have been chasing but no response yet

Cllr Potter is looking for significant issues across all lifts. Residents present from Kimpton, Sandon, Chipping confirmed ongoing lift issues

How do residents feed into the new contract?
Robert said there is a new temp company starting
Transparency around the selection and if doing a good job

Cllr Potter is fact finding and to chase repairs report from Hackney regarding numbers of lift repairs

Remi to get permission and share (updated) spreadsheet of lift issues with Cllr Potter

Remi to contact Cindy lift manager with questions and spreadsheet (if permission given to share)

1b. Complaints procedures
Expiry of guarantees on building? How can it be raised

Have been separate complaints to flag the issues
Should costs be covered by Hackney if they have taken responsibility for he issue. Hackney should have been aware of all contractors and sub contractors.

Stage 1 complaints, keep going through the steps of complaints procedure to ombudsman. Have to go through all of the stages first though before ombudsmen

If council gets enough individual complaints will have to take notice
Has been hundreds of complaints already
Residents to ensure they are taking concerns through complaints procedure stages if not addressed by Hackney

1c. Safety concerns
Don’t feel safe accessing the lift – that not going to get stuck and emergency button
Need to feel safe

Need meeting with specific Hackney people to deal with the issues

Need better communication. Likely a wider issue across Hackney/country
Could Cindy meet us online?

1d. Cleaning
Not sure if actually clean, sweep carpet once a week (Chipping)
Bits not picked up, perhaps vacuum not working, surfaces not wiped. Infrastructure is degrading, needs to be well maintained
Also issues on Weston – frequently filthy (2 guys responsible for all older blocks) – balconies once a week, communal areas daily
Chutes blocked and drawers broken – Theobald (cleaners just put it back instead of getting it fixed – dangerous). Also blocked in Bramfield.

cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk address given to residents – advised to message directly with concerns

Audit needed on cleaning front. Possible to survey residents?

Need more transparency with service charges

Residents must email directly with cleaning concerns
cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk

Remi to discuss cleaning concerns with head of cleaning

2
AGM minutes approved
Kathy & Remi approved, no objections raised

3
Constitution
Updated
Approved by all present and signed off at the meeting with Nnem Nwosu (Hackney Resident Participation) present
Documents can be seen HERE

4
Hackney Showroom update
Molly gave an update:

Street Party 12 July – plan is Similar to last year but open to suggestions.

Ideas and feedback from residents on this:
· Show was loud – particularly children with neurodiversity felt overwhelmed
· Need more diversity in the music to reflect the diverse community
· Turkish, salsa etc, more international
· Could shorten the length of the music bit
· More DJs for less time each and careful with volume/base levels
· How to get people involved?
· Survey with rough plan and open for suggestions?
· Dog show again?
· Local celebrity to judge competition??

Winter market again 29 November

Discussion around plans for youth summer project and if we are getting lottery finding again. Got a plan – Remi will let know after some meetings

Lots of wellbeing events and activities – all on HS website: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/wellbeing/

· Ringfenced TRA slots for wellbeing activities or things that benefit our community – can be weekly or monthly. Open to suggestions.

· Menopause café suggested – to email Remi
· Isabela – evenings or weekends – Sunday morning meditation
· Hackney has a text service – Nnem can help promote
· Can also do advert to share once activities decided and can put on our website https://kingscrescent.org

Food bank at Hackney Showroom Tues 12-2pm open from11am. Open to those on KCE and nearby.
Busy, running out of food at 1pm instead of 2pm. Can we help?
Also soup kitchen at St Johns church Tues/Sun and Church street on Thurs/Fri
Now Hackney Showroom box meals on Fridays after lunch club and deliver for those who can’t attend in person

Volunteers?
Help to sign up for vouchers: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/volunteer-with-us/ email for more info: ruan@hackneyshowroom.com

Residents to email with any ideas for weekly/monthly community activities
kingscrescentn4@gmail.com

Want to volunteer with Hackney Showroom email: ruan@hackneyshowroom.com

5
Gardening/
Allotments update
Kathy gave an update:

· 68 raised bed allotment plots managed by TRA committee gardening group
· Year ahead – 29 March workshop Nat Hackney Herbal advice on how to use plots, will also do support in allotment
· 5 new plots allocated recently
· Got money to spend by end of taxy year (April)
· In March, getting compost, need to order on truck for delivery, needs to be managed with a plan for how to distribute compost
· Next event opportunity to catch up with everyone
· Tap working now!
· Water butts only one is working – better to use rainwater if possible
· Mulalley provided compost bins going well
· Need to paint swap some plots– need Julian’s dad to paint!! Window still to fix.
· Remi meeting w/julian on 18th
· Vincent will still be working on the project but someone else day to day
· Lights for shed need putting up – need handyman! Ask in chat?

6
Youth club
Jill gave an update:

· Started again in Jan after Christmas break
· Kids have been coming for several years, some teenagers now
· Ask them what their needs are and what want to do. More board games requested – monopoly, uno extreme etc. Watching films (currently buy these, possible to use streaming accounts?)
· Lottery funding last year, thinking of reapplying this year with own control over planning and management. Get in sports and other leaders to support.
· Trips – bowling tomorrow, ice skating
· Maybe Sobel inflatable course
· We facilitate what the kids want. Hall games like bulldog. Fun to see teens still acting like kids. Free snacks
· 25 kids registered, 12-15 come each week
· Space safe to express opinions, discuss religion, open. Kids opinions are important

7
Upcoming Dates
Dates of next meetings & events

29 March 2025– Gardening workshop event
22 May 2025 – Next residents meeting 7.30-9pm
12 July 2025 – Street Party

Minutes taken by Emley Pine and shared with TRA committee for pre-approval prior to making public. Will be formally approved at next meeting in May 2025.
To get in touch with the TRA committee:
email: KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com
Call/text/WhatsApp: 07925668497
Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4

See https://kingscrescent.org/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings

Post prior to the meeting:
We have updated the TRA policies and will be signing these at the meeting. If anyone wants to read them in advance of the meeting they can be found HERE

Resident Steering Group Meeting 20 March 2025
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom, Murrain Road, London, N4 2GD
Resident Steering Group‘ meetings happen every few months.
Kings Crescent residents can apply to be in the RSG and it is a chance to meet with Hackney’s Regeneration Team, architects, builders etc to discuss the plans for the next round of new buildings and refurbishment of existing blocks on the South of Kings Crescent Estate

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 20th March 2025

Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)

10 Residents:
EP,PS, PD, RB, RW, ES, SJ, KM, GG, EV
(names removed for web version)

In Attendance:

Ron Greenwood (RG)
Chey Brown
Will Greatrex
Jane Havemann
Carol Squires (CS)
Menekse Saitoglu
John Morris (minutes)
Lee Walsh (LW)
Tom Roberts (TR)

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley
HHB Architects

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

Apologies were received from JWM, KH, PC, Cllr Adejare, AF, RS

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 4th December 2024 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed.

3.0
Phase 3&4 update – Mulalley

LW and TR presented a programme update and the latest redesigns of the new build proposals. Presentation slides accompany these minutes.

Questions/comments:

Brick details. EP – concern about the darkness of brick that might absorb rather than reflect light. TR – the precise spec for the brickwork is not fixed. CP – there has been discussion about a visit to another Hackney estate that has used similar shades of brick. RG – this is the Frampton Estate which used bricks from the same manufacturer but the colours are not identical to those proposed here.

Balconies. CP – will residents feel or hear a difference when the new balconies on the south side of KC are in use? LW – the walkways are concrete paviours, so there will not be any ‘metallic’ sound as people walk on them.

CP – what will the front of the balconies look like? TR- metal mesh that can be seen through. But emphasised that it’s still early days in the design process.

There was further discussion around maintenance of balconies. LW assured the meeting that the steel construction would be as robust as concrete and there would not be additional maintenance requirements

RB asked about the disruption in ground floor gardens when balconies are being installed. TR acknowledged there will be disruption but it will less than with the previous design and balcony materials. RG confirmed that gardens will be reinstated on a like for like basis.

Weston Court bike store. RB asked if LBH will manage the proposed bike storage under Weston Court as current storage facilities are quite chaotic. KM added that bikes are stacked up with some abandoned; there must be some learning from the bike storage under north side blocks. ES questioned the security of the proposed arrangements. RB asked if entrances to stores could be within the courtyard. LW – this proposal has been made in collaboration with Secured by Design. There will be access from the courtyard with individual fob access to compartments within the storage facility. TR added that part of the design involves finding a solution to the drop in level immediately outside Weston Court.

TR also noted that the bike store will have Sheffield stands, i.e. metallic installations fixed to the floor rather than hangers which should help address some of the issues with bikes not being stored tidily.

ES expressed regret at the abandonment of the plans for work spaces under Weston Court. LW reminded the meeting of the reasons why this was no longer practical, including major disruption to residents above.

CP asked what the difference was between the new flats in phase 1 created from old garages and the situation under Weston Court. TR – in phase 1 the foundations were level and provided sufficient room for new flats to be created. At Weston Court, the foundations are close to ground level and would need to be underpinned which is very noisy and disruptive. In phase 1&2 the foundations were deeper so underpinning was not needed.

SJ asked if there could be some general storage space created and not all bike storage. LW – there needs to be a minimum amount of bike storage for the number of homes. RG suggested there could be some creative use of the space as long as planning regulations are met.

Hoarding line and routes through the estate. JM asked for clarification on the hoarding line that seems to cut off Casbeard St. LW – the route shown has marshalled gates at each end for construction traffic. This arrangement was in the original plans once the Casbeard St route was chosen; it was always the case that Casbeard St would be closed to pedestrians and is not the result of any changes to the hoarding line. But LW confirmed that Casbeard St will be kept open for as long as possible.

RB asked about routes for elderly residents who need to get to the shops. Will LBH help them navigate the estate once hoarding is up? RG stressed importance of involving housing management teams. CP – we need to work closely with TRA and LBH to keep vulnerable residents in mind.

EV – can there be a pedestrian route that maybe sacrifices some parking spaces? LW – the construction zone is, as planned, as small as possible and there is very limited storage space for materials. There also needs to be access on the road in front of Bramfield, Theobalds and Datchworth for emergency and refuse vehicles. CS reminded the meeting that phase 1&2 split the estate and we need to try to avoid this for phase 3&4.

GG – is there going to be a loss of parking? RG – some spaces will be lost but there are arrangements being put in place for off estate parking.

4.0
Temporary MUGA consultation

RG presented the outcome of the consultation to assess views on the proposal to create a temporary play area on Murrain Road for the duration of the building works. Slides attached.

Questions/comments:

ES asked what the objections were from those against the proposals. RG – the impact of noise, the potential for ASB, a focus for drug users. RB – these aren’t the users of the MUGA.

CS pointed out that the location was cited as a problem by residents on the south side of the estate, so those opposed to the proposals were not all necessarily objecting on grounds of noise, ASB etc.

RG – we are suggesting that, given the closeness of the result of the consultation, we take a step back and look again at the issue, this time with a commissioned play specialist. KM – it will be good to have someone involved who really understands the issues and who will look at the estate as a whole, across ages and all options; as long as it doesn’t take too long!

EV – ideas might include 2 smaller spaces for play?

RG, in response to brief discussion about formal/informal play made the point that LBH don’t want to produce something that is not used or is inappropriate.

RB – the objection to having to use the park is that each trip needs to be fully risk-assessed. She added that some facilities would be good for the summer.

It was noted that there was some disappointment that this has not been concluded yet.

5.0
ITLA update – Source

CS reported that residents visiting the Source drop ins have reflected the views just discussed about the MUGA. RB noted that there is a perceived divide between north and south on the estate.

6.0
Any other business

6.1

PD raised an instance of Sunday working on 23rd February. Contractors were using very noisy equipment, including circular saws; could have been UKPN. RW endorsed this as a major disruption on a Sunday at Datchworth Court. PD emailed an RLO email address at Mulalley but didn’t receive a response. Who could he have called to complain at the time? LW – this would not have been Mulalley carrying out enabling works. Unfortunately, Mulalley have little control over statutory authorities if they are not working within the curtilage of the Mulalley site. Mulalley should be aware of works but not the times they are carried out. CP noted that there needs to be procedures in place in the future to deal with this type of incident. LW committed to invstigating why there was no response to PD from the RLO email address.

· Post meeting note. The following response has been received from LBH:

Lee from Mulalley has followed up on the AOB raised by Peter at last week’s RSG, around the works taking place at the weekend, and his subsequent email which was not responded to.

It does seem that Peter’s email was missed, as it went direct to the RLO director’s inbox – Mulalley have apologised for this and have advised that all resident liaison emails for King’s Crescent should be directed to joanna.kaye@mulalley.co.uk. Please could this email be included / updated in any future correspondence with residents?

Just so you’re aware regarding the complaint itself, it does appear to have been contractors employed by UKPN. Mulalley will raise this with the contacts they have but as noted in the RSG, UKPN are a statutory undertaker so Mulalley have no real control over their working hours.

LW

6.2

EV asked for an update on the promised Mulalley website. It would be helpful so residents can be better informed about when and why things are happening and who is carrying them out. LW – there will be more communications, including a website when there is a greater level of activity to report on. Newsletters should be going out. RB noted that residents do not receive regular bulletins. LW – a new Project Manager will start in early April who will be a contact. He also committed to resolving the issue with newsletters.

LW

6.3

RG – we will be planning an open exhibition of plans possibly in June. This will be part of the consultation leading up to the planning application with amendments from the original, determined application.

7.0
Date of next meeting

CP – date to be decided. Likely in 3 months time, to be confirmed after the exhibition referred to above.

Slides from the presentation can be viewed HERE

Resident Meeting 22 May 2025
2025-05-22 19:30 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Community Meeting
Minutes
22nd May 2025 – 7:30pm till 8:30pm

Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome

Attended: Residents: Emley Pine (Treasurer), Remi Bevis (Chair), Kathy (Vice-Chair & Gardening), Jill ((committee and youth)
Cllr Potter
Apologies: 7 residents
Remi (TRA Chair)

2
Community Meeting

· Approve minutes from last community meeting (Remi and Jill approved, no objections)

· Youth club update

Source Partnership looking for children for consultation on play areas next week (paid). Consultant Dinah Bornat speaking to children about types of play that they do and would like to do on the estate.

Ball court will be open again for the summer which the kids are happy about. Possible to get Access to Sport to come back to do sessions?

Santa, last time kids from all over the area. Possible to charge £1 for postcodes not on the estate? Possible to do that on Hackney Showroom website?

Mulalley funding for youth club worker to fill the gap between National Lottery finding ending and next funding

Nina has applied for funding for the Summer project and youth club awaiting confirmation. Should have that by end of June. If that doesn’t happen we will apply for National Lottery again.

Remi and Leah from Youth Club to run the summer project this time on behalf of Hackney Showroom.

Youth CDF is just trips but worker fee and refreshments will be paid by the funding. Will have a volunteer also.

If funding doesn’t come through then we won’t be able to have a summer project

Awards for all (National Lottery) is a 6-12 week approval process. Agreement to ask Nina to do the application for summer project in case the other funding doesn’t come through. Could cancel it if needed. Better than ending up with no summer project for the kids.

Molly to send a breakdown this week for what was spent over the past year – National Lottery via TRA.

Quite a few youth no longer attend as they are teenagers now. Suggestion that we re-advertise for youth club and lower age to accept children from 6 years old.

Youth CDF trips
16 kids bowling trip
14 kids Ice skating

Weekly activities in youth club have included indoor games, board games, film nights, arts & crafts, outdoor games.

· Gardening/allotments update

Allotment allocation once per year in Feb/March. New people taking on plots at the moment. Workshop in March with Hackney Herbal was good. Focused on the small, raised beds that we have, what to do in different areas with shade etc. Active WhatsApp group – plant sales, questions, interactive.
Bought compost with CDF funding for all allotment holders to share.
Plots are looking better taken care of recently.
Mulalley offered to do higher raised beds to help with older and people with disabilities that can reach down to lower plots.
Mix of nationalities, blocks, ages etc in gardening group – lovely.
One of the local mums has been fantastic at helping smooth out the issues between kids and gardeners, thank you to her.

· CDF update

Planned to discuss possible breakdown for CDF for 25/26
Decided to postpone planning to June/July as not many residents at meeting.
Ideas can be emailed to the TRA committee: kingscrescentn4@gmail.com

· Housing updates

Cllr Potter attended the meeting part way through and asked for an update on issues she should be aware of.

Current issues outlined:
– Theobalds balcony lights are off at night but on in the day. Ongoing issue.
– No estate manager currently as he is off sick
– Water collecting outside boiler room under Theobalds Court
– Rough sleeper in bin shed in Rushden Court (fobs not working so store just open)
– Lift – some issues ongoing. Cllr Potter heard back from lift repairs to say that it is not normal for lifts to break down so often. Previous issue related to overheating has been resolved. But no answer regarding ongoing breakdowns.
– Ongoing issues with how Hackney manages leaseholders. Lack of someone to contact, misinformation etc. Need for the people moving into new developments to have a contact person who understand the differences. With leasehold.

Other updates:
– Consultation event coming up about Weston Court. It was going to be work spaces but no longer viable to do that. Possibly bike storage or other potential uses.
– Cllr Potter mentioned the Housing Ombudsman report just released relating to Hackney.
– Deputy Mayor has just taken over responsibility for housing management. Could invite him to visit and understand the current issues on Kings Crescent

TRA Chair & committee members

Residents

Youth
– Contact Access to Sport re Summer events
– Consider applying for National Lottery finding. Remi to discuss with Nina (HS)
– Remi to liaise with HS to ger National Lottery reporting

3
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & events
– Consultation on Weston court ex garage area. HS 4 June 4-8pm
– Street party Saturday 12 July
– Next community meeting/AGM Thursday 18 September
Close

TRA Chair

See the minutes of the previous 12 Feb meeting HERE

Meet the architects event 4 June 2025
2025-06-04 16:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Meet the architect 19 June
2025-06-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

ETRA meeting (housing issues) 18 September 2025
2025-09-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
KC ETRA Meeting
(Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association Meeting)
Thursday 18 September 2025
7:30 – 9.00 pm
Hackney Showroom

Minutes

18 September 2025 7.30 – 9pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association Meeting
1. Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
Lead: Remi (TRA Chair)
Present:
TRA members – Remi (Chair), Emley, Richard, Isadora, Kathy, Jill, Sarah
Hackney – June Welcome (Housing Officer KCE), Josephine Burton (Homeownership Team), Laura Coombs, Bernard Thomas (Cleaning), John Prestage (Repairs), Cllr. Clare Potter
Apologies: Bianca Rembrandt (ASB)

Minutes from the last meeting (22 May 2025) were approved.

Kathy McEwan:

Emphasised the need for more resident support to keep TRA activities running.
Highlighted the voluntary nature of TRA roles (not paid, no financial benefit).
TRA aims to build a stronger community through initiatives such as allotments and youth club.
Urged members to help set TRA priorities for the next year – residents to bring ideas to the AGM in October.
TRA needs new committee members and volunteers for: communications, newsletter, funding applications, strategy, youth club, gardening, website, treasurer, administration, secretary, and Hackney liaison.
Gardening and youth club will continue, but succession planning is required.

Richard McVetis:

Outlined rules of engagement for meetings: respectful communication, focus on agenda items, no interruptions, concise contributions.

Action Points:

Residents to think about and suggest TRA priorities before the October AGM.
TRA to circulate a volunteer call-out with specific roles listed.

2. Estate Cleaning
Lead: Bernard Thomas (Hackney Cleaning Team)
Discussion:

Persistent issues: urine in blocks (Bramfield, Theobold), pigeon droppings, dirty corridors, uncollected recycling, and external rubbish dumping.
Residents reported cleaning issues being unresolved for weeks/months despite being logged.
Concerns raised that service charges increase annually, but cleaning standards remain low.
Query on accountability: who checks standards and ensures cleaning has been completed?

Bernard (Council):

Explained cleaners’ duties: lifts, entrances, bin areas, litter collection.
Deep/“spot” clean every 20 days.
Admitted problems with ASB occurring after cleaning which delays resolution.
Cleaning regime to change – two cleaners will now work together.
Cleaning Charter available on Hackney website: https://hackney.gov.uk/estate-cleaning

Residents:

Bramfield Court corridor reportedly not cleaned for months.
Standards feel subjective – need agreed baseline.
Specific pigeon issue: allotment gate and Wallington Court exterior access corridor heavily affected by droppings.

June (Housing Officer):

Will share her estate inspection schedule with TRA.
Invited residents to join inspections.

Action Points:

Bernard & June to conduct a joint walk-around with TRA to set agreed baseline standards.
June to circulate her inspection schedule to TRA members.
Bernard to investigate pigeon issues and request pigeon spikes installation (allotment gate, Wallington Court).
Residents to continue reporting cleaning issues via estate cleaning email address (Hackney).
TRA to monitor changes following new two-cleaner regime.

Repairs

Lead: John Prestage (Hackney Repairs)
Agenda Items & Discussion:

Lighting – Theobalds Court/ Flooded Area – Old Boiler Room

John confirmed he could not comment on lighting issues (he is carpenter background and not electrician).
Repairs system described as fragmented, emailing without a reference number or date risks requests being deleted.
Resident raised issue of a huge leak. Leak was fixed, but the repair left a large hole.
Concern: repairs often leave incomplete or poor-quality outcomes.

Broken Courtyard Gates

Ongoing frustration with repeated issues not being resolved effectively.

Communication & Oversight

Residents questioned: Who decides on the work? Who checks it has been carried out to standard?
Repairs system seen as “not fit for purpose” – siloed departments, no clear accountability.
Call centre staff often lack training and knowledge of estate complexities.
Strong concerns about value for money in service charges given repeated, unresolved repairs.

Councillor Input

Cllr. Clare Potter asked that all repair issues be sent to her directly by residents.
Residents suggested escalating concerns to the Housing Ombudsman.

Residents’ Requests:

OPTs time planner to attend next meeting.
Ron Springer (Hackney Repairs) to be invited to attend.
More training for Hackney call centre staff.
Dedicated repairs overseer needed with full estate oversight.

Action Points:

TRA to formally request OPTs (Manager at call centre) time planner’s attendance at the next meeting.
TRA to invite Ron Springer (Hackney Repairs) to next meeting.
Residents to feed ongoing repair issues to Cllr. Clare Potter for escalation.
TRA to draft a letter to Hackney Council requesting:

clearer accountability and supervision of repairs,
improved call centre training,
dedicated estate-wide repairs oversight.

Consider escalation to Housing Ombudsman if systemic issues persist.

4. Lifts
Lead: Cindy Crawford (Interim Lift Service Manager)
(Unable to attend – written responses promised. Presentation given by resident Karsten Hartmann.)
Discussion:

Presentation & Report

Karsten Hartmann gave an overview of the lift maintenance report, stepping in due to council officer absence.
Thanks were extended to Karsten for undertaking this work on behalf of residents, effectively doing the council’s job.
Emley to circulate Karsten’s report to residents via email and WhatsApp.

Persistent Failures & Design Issues

Residents highlighted that Hackney Council has failed to address the root causes of repeated lift breakdowns.
Design faults were identified in earlier meetings but remain unresolved, raising serious questions about whether newer block lifts are still under warranty and if design flaws are being properly addressed.
Residents noted that the same issues have persisted for years despite repeated reporting.

Health & Safety Risks

Alarm buttons in lifts frequently fail to work.
There is no reliable mobile signal or emergency phone coverage inside lifts.
Residents reported women and babies trapped in lifts for hours without being able to call for help – a critical health and safety hazard.
Current failures represent not only an inconvenience but a significant risk to life and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable residents.

Accountability & Oversight

No evidence of a proper monitoring system or accountability structure to ensure repairs and servicing are carried out effectively.
Residents expressed frustration that they are forced to act as investigators and monitors, effectively doing the work of Hackney Council, while still facing increasing service charges and declining service levels.
The absence of the Lift Service Manager (Cindy Crawford) was seen as unacceptable given the seriousness of these ongoing issues.

Escalation

Councillor Clare Potter to be sent the full lift maintenance report and resident accounts.
Residents raised the possibility of escalating matters to external regulators due to consistent failures in safety and service.

Action Points:

Emley to circulate Karsten’s lift maintenance report to all residents (email and WhatsApp).
Cindy Crawford (Lift Service Manager) to provide written responses to all lift-related questions (maintenance, design, warranty, accountability).
TRA to request confirmation of whether lifts in newer blocks remain under warranty.
Hackney Council to clarify:

Who is currently responsible for lift management and oversight.
What actions are being taken to address acknowledged design faults.
Timelines for resolving alarm and emergency coverage failures.

TRA to prepare a formal letter highlighting lifts as a serious health & safety risk requiring urgent intervention.
Councillor Clare Potter to receive the full report and resident testimonies for escalation within Hackney Council.
TRA to consider escalation to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and/or the Housing Ombudsman if immediate and verifiable improvements are not made.

5. Homeownership & Service Charges
Leads: Josephine Burton & Laura Coombs (Hackney Homeownership Team)
Discussion:

Role of the Homeownership Team

Josephine and Laura introduced themselves, explained their roles, and invited resident questions.
Stated that residents can dispute service charges, but this requires very specific detail and supporting evidence, which many residents find burdensome.

Nature of Service Charges

Clarified that Hackney’s service charge is not for “service provided” as residents might expect, but rather a contribution towards the costs of works, utilities, and services (e.g. building insurance, cleaning, maintenance, management fees).
Residents challenged the fairness of rising charges given falling service standards.

Accountability & Oversight

Residents expressed frustration at the lack of transparency or accountability over how charges are calculated and monitored.
Management fees were highlighted – residents asked how these are calculated. The team confirmed details are on Hackney’s website: https://hackney.gov.uk/service-charges.
Homeownership officers admitted they interact with many different council teams but do not always have the power to intervene directly. They agreed to feedback frustrations and issues.

Structural Changes

A new Head of Service role has been created to focus on resolving systemic problems.
The team acknowledged that current systems are inadequate and that past failings were unacceptable.
New IT systems are being developed to provide more accurate costings, pricing, and transparency (particularly around reserve funds and future works).

Specific Issues Raised by Residents

Lifts: Residents were told that obvious lift-related costs may not automatically be passed on to service charges, depending on circumstances.
CCTV: Residents questioned why they were still paying charges for CCTV when it had not been functioning.
Reserve Fund:

Residents asked how much was being held in the reserve fund for their specific flats/blocks.
Officers assured residents that the money exists but admitted they could not currently provide figures for individual buildings.
New IT systems are expected to resolve this, but no timeline was given.
Concern: historically the council did not operate reserve funds for Right-to-Buy leaseholders. Current reserve fund arrangements are presented as a “USP” (unique selling point), but residents remain unconvinced.
Reserve fund intended for major works (e.g. door replacement, roofs, lifts) but has not yet been utilised.
Residents expressed strong concern about the lack of financial systems, data gaps, and future planning (e.g. for major works expected around 2030).

Consultation & Engagement:

Residents frustrated that they have not been consulted on system changes or restructuring.
Questioned how improvements can be designed without resident input.
Noted that the Homeownership team does not always hear about issues raised at TRA meetings.

Complaints Procedure

Team reminded residents to use Hackney’s three-stage complaints system.
Residents responded that the complaints process often feels like a closed loop with no accountability or joined-up thinking, leaving them powerless.

Action Points:

Homeownership team to feed residents’ frustrations and concerns back to senior management.
Josephine & Laura to confirm when the new IT systems will provide transparent reserve fund data by block/estate.
Hackney Council to clarify:

how management fees are calculated and justified,
how reserve fund contributions are held, tracked, and reported to leaseholders,
how residents will be consulted in restructuring/improvement processes.

TRA to draft formal request for reserve fund statements by building/flat, with a clear timeline for delivery.
TRA to escalate systemic concerns about lack of accountability to the Head of Service and consider raising with the Housing Ombudsman.
Councillor Clare Potter to receive a summary of resident concerns for follow-up.

6. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Lead: Bianca Rembrandt (ASB Officer – Apologies sent)
Discussion:

Noise Complaints

Ongoing concerns about noise disturbance from residents and events.
Specific mention of street parties continuing beyond permitted times, creating disruption and distress.

Criminal Activity

Residents reminded that criminal activity must be reported directly to the police.
Next Police Safer Neighbourhoods meeting:
St John’s Church
15 October
7pm
Residents strongly encouraged to attend and raise issues directly with police.

Respect & Conduct

Chair reported receiving unfair treatment and personal attacks, including during discussions around ASB and noise.
Meeting reiterated that TRA operates on a voluntary basis, and respectful behaviour is essential.
Residents were reminded that living in a community requires mutual respect and consideration for neighbours.

Action Points:

Residents to raise specific ASB and criminal activity concerns directly with the police at the 15 October meeting.
Bianca Rembrandt to follow up with TRA on unresolved ASB cases at next meeting.
TRA to restate rules of engagement at the start of future meetings to prevent personal attacks on volunteers.
Explore possibility of joint estate walkabouts with ASB officer and Housing Officer to monitor persistent problem areas.

7. Any Other Business

Bikes in the Lock-Up

Issue raised regarding abandoned or unclaimed bicycles in the estate lock-up areas.
June (Housing Officer) will develop a plan to address this, including:

Identifying and tagging bikes to determine ownership.
Setting a timeline for residents to claim their bikes.
Arranging removal of abandoned bicycles.

Residents were asked to allow June time to gain a full overview of the estate and its challenges, as she is newly in post.
June emphasised her commitment to effecting positive change on the estate but noted this will require both time and resident support.

Action Points:

June to prepare and circulate a clear plan for dealing with bikes in the lock-ups (including process, timeline, and communication to residents).
TRA to support June by encouraging residents to engage with the identification/claiming process.
Review progress at the next TRA meeting.

Previous Information prior to meeting:
ETRA meetings are where residents can speak to Hackney officers about estate issues
What should we bring to the Council’s attention?
As your Tenants and Residents Association (TRA), we are responsible for setting the agenda and inviting the relevant council departments.
So far, we’re planning to raise the following key issues
* Pest control (mice, rats, mosquitoes)
* Lifts (maintenance and reliability)
* Cleaning (internal and external areas)
* Gardening (green space maintenance)
* Parking (use and enforcement across the estate)
Please let us know urgently if you have additional agenda items to add (email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com)
The deadline for adding issues to the agenda is Monday 18 August to allow us time to invite the relevant Hackney representatives.
Please ensure any housing/estate issues you are raising have been reported to Hackney directly.
You can find details of relevant Hackney departments on the ESTATE page of this website

Update (28.08.2025):
We are still working on the agenda as we have not had confirmation from Hackney teams regarding who will be attending.
In attendace so far will be June Welcome the Estate Manager, and someone from Leasehold/Service Charges team.
Plus we will discuss ASB/community safety.

Issues raised with other specific departments but no reply yet:
Repairs team:

Some specific concerns are:

Lifts – Maintenance and reliability. Ongoing issues with repeated breakdowns, why is this happening? Is anyone looking into cause of these? Response times to breakdowns have improved but they do keep happening. Would it be possible for you to get a report of all of the breakdowns reported on Kings Crescent over the past 5 years? Who (if anyone) checks on the quality of repairs done if there are repeated issues?
Lift alarm buttons – residents reported previously that life emergency alarms were not working, have these been assessed and are they all working now? (Many lifs in the newer blocks have no mobile reception so there is no way to let someone know they are trapped in a lift without the alarm button!). (Just to add there have been breakdowns since I sent the email and the lift alarm buttons did not work)
Lighting in Theobalds Court corridors have been broken for 3 years now. People come to ‘fix it’ but it remains broken. What can be done about this and why do issues go unresolved like this for so long? (Lights work but come on during the day and not at night).
Flooded area at base of Theobalds Court – the old boiler room is flooded. This has been drained a few times but just floods again, can a long term solution be achieved to stop this happening? This may be impacting the lighting issue and issue residents are having with mosquitos.

Cleaning

Some of the specific issues are:

Urine in blocks not being cleaned for several weeks (Theobald Court) despite residents and June our Estate Manager reporting this
General standards of cleaning in many of the older blocks and some of the newer blocks
How often do deep cleans take place? According to the website it states: “We deep clean blocks on a priority basis, based on the overall condition of the building itself, with ceilings, floors and walls receiving a thorough deep clean. We deliver block cleaning to meet the British Institute of Cleaning Science cleaning standards.” I have only seen this happen once in 13 years in Bramfield, so I’m wondering what the criteria actually is.
Who is responsible for cleaning outside blocks? For example lights covered in spider webs and dust, pigeon poo in communal areas etc that have been like that for years.
The cost of cleaning increases on service charges year on year but the standard still seems low, how is this justified and who checks that cleaning has been done?

Pest Issues:

Specifically the pest issues are mice/rats in the buildings and getting into flats via communal areas such as pipes, mosquitoes potentially breeding under balcony flooring, and pigeons nesting on balconies.

Kings Crescent buildings have a mixed tenure with some council tenants, come leaseholders and some shared ownership properties, but the issues are affecting residents across all tenures. So we would like to discuss the concerns with an expert from your team to know how this should be approached.

Other issues that have been raised:

Painting programme – As Hackney says, “we will base our planned painting programme for properties on an eight-year cycle, subject to review and survey.” Can we get an update on when the next repainting cycle is planned?
Monthly inspections – How can we be kept informed about what’s being identified and reviewed for fixing during the monthly inspections? There are many issues around the estate (broken gates, exposed screws, dirt, poor cleaning), and we need clear communication so residents know what’s being detected and addressed.
Bike storage – There are lots of unused bikes taking up space for years, occupying spots that heavier or frequently used bikes could use. What’s the plan to ask residents to donate/sell unused bikes, or at least move them to areas where they won’t block those who cycle daily?

See HERE for all of the previous meeting minutes

Police meeting 15 October 2025 7pm
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, Queens Drive, N4 2LW
Brownswood ward panel meeting will be on
Wednesday 15th October 2025 at 7pm
at St John the Evangelist Church N4 2LW

At these meetings the local police and Hackney Community Safety team are available to discuss concerns with residents
St John’s Church is on the corner of Queen’s Drive and Gloucester Drive

MET Engage

If you are not aware the police have a new type of media called MET Engage which is designed to enhance community crime fighting and increase the flow of information and concerns from local residents and businesses so they can be logged and addressed. Please see the link below for more information but the police will be able to explain more about this at the Ward panel meeting.
https://www.metengage.co.uk

** POSTPONED** AGM & Social Event 15 October 2025
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
**POSTPONED**
This date clashed with the police meeting so has been moved to the following week – 22 October 2025
15 October 2025 AGM & Social Event
7.30-9.00pm
Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN
If you live in Kings Crescent, you are a member of the resident’s association
and are warmly invited to all Tenants & Resident Association events
AGM
This meeting will start with the ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) where the new resident’s group committee will be voted in.
***Mew committee members really welcome! Please get in touch if you’re interested in joining the TRA committee***
Everyone living on Kings Crescent Estate is automatically a member of the TRA and a committee of residents is elected at the AGM to lead the group.
All KC TRA committee members contribute their time and skills on a voluntary basis.
If you are interested in joining the committee please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

The AGM will only take about 20 minutes so we are thinking of combining it with a social event to facilitate residents to get to know each other
Details to be confirmed but initial thoughts are:

Kids cinema 7-8.30pm in studio space to allow families to attend
AGM 7.30-8pm in the big space
Quiz 8-8.30pm then general social time in the big space
Bingo at 8.30pm in the studio space
Event end time can be flexible

We are open to suggestions and anyone volunteering their time/skills/enthusiams to the event!!!!
Get in touch if you have any ideas: KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

AGM & Social Event 22 October 2025
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
22 October 2025 AGM & Social Event
7.30-9.00pm
Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN
If you live in Kings Crescent, you are a member of the resident’s association
and are warmly invited to all Tenants & Resident Association events

AGM
The ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) is where the new resident’s group committee will be voted in.
***New committee members really welcome! Please get in touch if you’re interested in joining the TRA committee***
Everyone living on Kings Crescent Estate is automatically a member of the TRA and a committee of residents is elected at the AGM to lead the group.
All KC TRA committee members contribute their time and skills on a voluntary basis.
If you are interested in joining the committee please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com
Agenda, Chair’s report & Treasurer report here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Gs1_MjVKVclRzyxAW90mfYbxL9Klo7UX?usp=sharing

Social Event
The AGM will only take about 25 minutes so we are combining it with a social event to facilitate residents to get to know each other
Get in touch if you have any questions or ideas: KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

We will be showing the new Lilo & Stitch movie for the kids and there will be free glitter tattoos, pizza and snacks.
For the adults there will be pizza and bingo. Soft drinks will be provided but please bring your own alcohol if you would like to drink.

RSG 23 Oct 2025
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Resident Steering Group‘ meetings happen every few months.
Kings Crescent residents can apply to be in the RSG and it is a chance to meet with Hackney’s Regeneration Team, architects, builders etc to discuss the plans for the next round of new buildings and refurbishment of existing blocks on the South of Kings Crescent Estate

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 23rd October 2025

Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair) – late
Paul Cushion (PC) (Theobalds Court)
Karsten Hartman (KH) (Wallington Court)

Kathy MacEwan (KM) (Kimpton Court)
Patricia Sim (Theobalds Court)
Emley Pine (EP) (Bramfield Court)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Carol Squires (CS)
Menekse Saitoglu
John Morris (minutes)
Lee Walsh (LW)
Tom Roberts (TR)
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley
HHB Architects

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

Apologies were received from Peter Douglas, Rowena Scarborough, Ellie Virk. Cllr Potter gave advanced notice that she would be late.
CS chaired the meeting in Cllr Potter’s absence.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 9th July 2025 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

One correction to the last minutes: item 4.1, Jane Kaye should be Joanna Kaye, Mulalley RLO.
The rest of the minutes were agreed.

3.0
Project update – Lee Walsh

3.1

3.2

LW gave an update on Mulalley’s activities since the last meeting and proposed timings for future events. Presentation slides are attached with these minutes.
● S73 planning application due to be submitted Nov 2025. This seeks approval of the changes made to the original, consented application from 2021. Outcome of this expected March 2026. It is hoped that the process of seeking approval from the Building Safety Regulator will conclude in Sept 2026. Mulalley hope to be able to start on site Oct 2026.
● Some live services are still being uncovered.
● Sewer diversion works along Casbeard St will start early in the new year and last approx. 12 weeks. Casbeard St will be closed to traffic but the footpath retained, protected by Heras fencing.
● Ground remediation will continue until Spring 2026.
● Site investigations will continue until Aug/Sept 2026 to align with anticipated Building Safety Regulator approval around the same time.
● LW illustrated façade investigation locations on the slides. Scaffolding will be erected at these points. The intention is to start and complete the investigations between November and December.
● Joanne, the RLO’s role was explained. (See slide).
● Communications: monthly newsletters will be established, supplemented by bulletins on specific issues. The Comms. portal will be set up once building work starts on site. In the meantime, LW suggested a work group with residents and relevant Mulalley staff to tailor comms for this particular scheme.

Questions/comments

EP – can we share Joanna’s number with residents?
LW – yes.

EP – will sewer diversion works affect the trees at the end of Murrain Rd?
LW – not the trees but some street furniture might have to be relocated

KH – will the road be renewed after the diversion works are completed?
LW – it will be repaired and properly resurfaced at the end of the construction works

KM – what is the current approach to Social Value? It would be good to hear from Julian’s successor and get a sense of what resources might be available from the SV team at this stage.
LW – Amber, in the Social Value team is available and Julian’s successor as Head of Social Value, Christina Byrne will introduce herself very soon. A budget has been allocated for all 3 schemes in Hackney that Mulalley are working on, with Kings Crescent benefitting from the majority of it. LW and Christina will meet to agree what is left from the current SV allocation, pre construction phase.

KM felt that there should be some support left in the budget for the garden project, from Julian Sanz’s time.
LW suggested that Kathy email him with her/the TRA’s assumptions to prompt him to discuss with Head of SV.

EP – is there still money available to fund youth workers? Remi (TRA Chair) has asked if this can be extended pending the outcome of a National Lottery application.
LW wished to make it clear that there was never a commitment to fund these roles. The support provided was to pay for a shortfall temporarily following a previous unsuccessful external funding bid.

Kathy to email Lee

4.0
Overview of S73 planning application – Tom Roberts

4.1

4.2

TR gave a comprehensive presentation on all aspects of design and other elements of the Section 73 application that seeks approval for the parts of the scheme amended since the original application. Presentation slides accompany these minutes. There were also brick sample boards available in the meeting room.

Questions/comments

KH – can TR confirm that heights of blocks hasn’t changed?
TR – no heights have changed but there have been some increases in roof parapets (of approx. 0.5 of a metre) to keep maintenance workers on the roofs safe.

CS – is there an impact on room sizes following reconfigurations?
TR – some rooms have been redesigned to create new layouts for fire separation

PC – have flats been made smaller to allow for 2nd staircases?
TR – Some 2 beds have become 1 beds. Minimum size of 70sq m for a 2 bed has been retained.
RG confirmed that the scheme is still viable even though there are some different sized flats. The overall number of homes is the same.

EP queried the dark brick on the external elevations of DZ4. She believes it will feel oppressive. Currently the sunlight bounces off the light coloured brickwork of phase 1 blocks. Could we ask that a survey is carried out of residents’ perceptions and preferences on the brick colour?
TR – we feel that it will not be as dark as feared.
KH asked if the choice of brick is a cost issue.
RG confirmed not.
KH – light coloured brick can look beautiful.
KM – while a dark brick looks good on some buildings, it does seem that a lighter brick would work better here. Could we visit some developments where the proposed type of brick has been used?
CS suggested taking this issue away from this meeting and Source will carry out a simple poll of potentially affected residents to gauge views while the idea of a lighter brick colour is being reviewed by HHb, Mulalley and LBH

EP – how tall will the new buildings be?
TR – DZ4 will be 6 stories high. No additional stories have been added.

KM asked if a more detailed impression of what it would be like to walk around a new block could be produced.
KH – Kimpton and Wallington Ct residents will be facing the tallest building so it would be good to get a better sense of how this would feel.
TR – there will be a model but it won’t show brick colours.

Balconies
PC – re south side new balconies; will they have solid floors?
TR – yes, they have to be solid.

Landscaping/public realm
EP raised the issues that there have been with the Murrain Rd play equipment; residents wouldn’t want these replicated in the new courtyards. Equipment needs to be able to be maintained by the management team after completion.
TR – LBH have hopefully learnt lessons from phase 1&2 play arrangements. RG confirmed this. TR will check back with MUF what current thinking is on play equipment.

EP – will sound from the new courtyards be similar to existing behind new blocks? Is there a way the sound from play can be mitigated?
TR – the nw courtyards will be bigger, more open and MUF have designed in trees that should dampen down noise.

KM – leading on from Dinah Bornat’s work, has there been enough consideration given to the way children navigate their way safely around the estate and between play spaces? There will still be vehicles moving round the estate, drawings still show vehicle routes. Bikes deliveries speed through. Could routes be designed so they read less like roads? PC added that bikes and e scooters can be dangerous when driving through; the play street needs better segregation from this.
TR acknowledged there is a conflict between ‘doorstep play’ and children’s ability to move around and make noise.
CS suggested picking these items up at the exhibition, provisionally organised for 2nd December.

CP asked whether the planning application will be considered by the Planning Committee or by delegated authority to officers.
RG – delegated unless there are material objections.

Source

Tom to speak to MUF re play facilities

5.0
ITLA update – Source

5.1
CS – Source have continued to hold monthly drop ins during the summer. The MUGA consultation has been a key topic over these months.

We have also circulated some revised terms of reference for the steering group and JM asked members, by email what motivates them to attend meetings and to invite suggestions on how the group can play a more active role in the development proposals. JM summarised the responses – most who answered said they came to RSG meetings to keep informed of current progress and for updates. It was also apparent that we need to be clearer with residents on what they can influence and what is presented to them as information. The quality of the consultation material was also raised and the presentations tonight have been an improvement, particularly in terms of ‘readability’ on the screen.

CS – we also looked at what could usefully be a regular agenda item.
CP, reflecting previous discussion, suggested Social Value.

EP – at TRA meetings we try to ask residents what they want, so it would be useful to know what money might be available and when.
LW reminded the meeting that their Social Value budget has to be spread across 3 estates and this budget in the pre-construction phase is limited. It will be larger when construction starts. Mulalley would like to see a ‘shopping list’ of suggestions that doesn’t just funnel all the money to youth activities. He repeated that a working group of residents and Mulalley staff could start to address some of these issues. KM endorsed this approach as a way of keeping the TRA involved and valued.

CS suggested deferring further discussion on the group’s terms of reference but adding Social Value as a regular agenda item. CP suggested further discussions on our approach to the governance of the RSG could take place at the next partnership meeting which is the regular meeting between CP, Source and LBH officers.

6.0
Any other business

6.
There was no further business

7.0
Date of next meeting

7.1
CS suggested 21st January and 25th March 2026 with the exhibition for all residents taking place on 2nd December.

A copy of the minutes and the accompanying presentation slides from Mulally can be found HERE

Winter Market 2025
2025-11-29 14:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent Winter Market
Following the success of previous Winter Markets we are doing it again!
You can do some shopping, consume delicious food & drinks, there will be glitter tattoos, crafts and activities for the kids, and even a visit from Santa!!
Sign up here if you’d like to have a stall: https://forms.gle/x8XAgiLRntvERJCW6
The Residents Association (TRA) will be available at the market to chat to residents and hear ideas that you may have for future events and activities etc

Estate Regeneration Public Event
2025-12-02 15:00 - 19:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
See here for more information and history of the project: https://hackney.gov.uk/kings-crescent-estate

KC RSG 20 Jan 2026
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 20th January 2026

Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)
Residents:
PC, KM, EP, PD

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Joe Stancer (JS)
Carol Squires (CS)
Menekse Saitoglu (MS)
John Morris (JM) (minutes)
Lee Walsh (LW)

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

Apologies were received from Jill Walker-Murrain, Ellie Virk, Karsten Hartman, Ewan Stone, Alfred Fiorentini, Gouri Ghosh.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 23rd October 2025 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

One action on page 4 of the previous minutes remains: Tom to speak to MUF re play facilities . LW to remind Tom (Roberts of HHB). The rest of the minutes were agreed.

LW

3.0
Project update – Lee Walsh

3.1

3.2

LW gave an update on Mulalley’s activities since the last meeting and proposed timings for future events. Presentation slides are attached with these minutes. [Slides HERE]

Questions/comments

EP noted that the hoarding for DZ6S seemed to be going up. RG confirmed struts are in place. LW to further investigate this.

KM raised the concerns that may be expressed at the loss of the play street for 3 months. LW clarified that there will not be a loss of space but that there needs to be temporary access from Green Lanes provided for emergency vehicles as a result of the sewer diversion works. CP noted concerns and asked that the changes to the play street happen asap to minimise disruption during the Spring and Summer seasons.

EP addressed the general issue of children’s play and complaints from some residents about noise. In the longer term, can residents be assured that LBH, when marketing new flats, will make it clear that they are situated on an estate with many families?

RG – new MUGA plans will start to be developed in the Spring. LBH are aware of how intensively the courtyards are used. There will be a management strategy in place for public realm as part of the planning application.

PC asked how the decommissioning of parking spaces will be managed. RG – some spaces have already been taken out of use. The process will be phased and LBH think there will be enough spaces for existing users. Regen. Team are working closely with the Parking team. RG and JS will hold surgeries to deal with queries and concerns with the proposed parking restrictions, supplemented by Source drop ins (first Wednesday of every month).

LW

4.0
Feedback from 2/12/25 exhibition – Joe Stancer

4.1

4.2

JS presented the outcomes of December’s consultations. The comments from the exhibition held on 2/12 were generally positive about the development and the survey on brick colours resulted in an overwhelming vote in favour of the lighter colour (57 in favour of the lighter brick, 7 in favour of the current, darker red colour). There was also an invitation to RSG to suggest ways to canvass views on the proposed Weston Court, Green Lanes façade artwork. See attached slides.

EP asked about wider publicity for artwork ideas. Could the Youth Club be involved? KM suggested a history of the estate as a theme; she had been impressed by a mural at Regents Park Estate, LB Camden that featured people who used to live there. CP noted the work that went into the history project and the photography project 10 years ago.

PC thought the model at the exhibition was very helpful to help residents understand the phase 3&4 plans.

CS asked how the outcomes from the exhibition are to be communicated, noting that residents have expressed frustration in the past at being consulted but then not finding out the outcomes of that consultation.

It was agreed that feedback should be produced before news of the outcome of the planning application. In order to do this more quickly, LW offered Mulalley to produce the publicity from material written by LBH.

LBH/Mulalley

5.0
Social Value

5.1
CS observed that residents were unsure about how they can influence social value contributions.

LW – Christina Byrne, Social Value Manager at Mulalley has been in touch with KM re some funding for allotments and will be making further contact soon to scope out what Mulalley can offer. CS – can she come to the March RSG? LW to check her availability over the next 2 months to get KC social value engagement moving.

LW reminded the meeting that Mulalley have one fund to spread across the 3 projects it is working on in Hackney at the moment, although KC is the largest. There will be significantly more money available once formally in contract and on site. Mulalley currently fund the local food bank. The meeting called for Mulalley to publicise more what it is funding; LW to co-ordinate this information for the RSG. As before, LW suggested that residents draw up a ‘shopping list’ of needs for Mulalley to use to target its funding. EP made the point that similar exercises have taken place in the past and she would feel reluctant to ask everyone again to elicit the same information.

Getting residents involved in these kinds of exercises has proved difficult. KM suggested setting up a stall outside Hackney Showroom to gather views. LW warned of managing expectations.

LW

LW

6.0
ITLA update, RSG terms of reference – Source

6.1
CS expressed It was noted that there were more apologies from residents than attended. Our summary paper (attached) indicates that general motivations for being an RSG member and attending meetings was to receive updated information and to be kept informed. Source can offer induction training/workships for residents interested in becoming RSG members. It was agreed that Source will target publicity/invitations to unrepresented blocks (e.g. social housing blocks at the west end of Murrain Road).

Residents at this meeting all agreed that they found the meetings very useful, otherwise they would not know what’s going on. JM suggested that now that Mulalley updates with clear presentations are a key part of the agenda, residents might find attending meetings more informative.

It was agreed that an open event in the summer to mark the completion of the planning process would be organised to attract and inform residents.

CS reminded the meeting that Source will continue its drop ins every first Wednesday of each month. Timings to be reviewed, to 4.30 to 6.30 or 5.00 to 7.00, subject to the availability of HS space.

Source

Source, LBH, Mulalley

7.0
AOB

7.1
i) PD reported that the run off from jet-washed wheels of construction vehicles could be causing drain blockages. LW to raise this with the relevant team, look at fitting silt filters to drains and carry out a drain survey. Mulalley have permission from Thames Water to deal with drain blockages now.

ii) PD also raised the issue of the slope around the new DZ6S hoardings that could become very muddy and difficult to navigate when access to the bus stop on Green Lanes is restricted by the hoarding. LW to check this on site.

iii) MS reported that most questions she receives are around start on site dates. LW could not provide a definite date as the time the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) may take to provide approval is unknown. But the aspiration is still to start on site towards the end of 2026/start of 2027.

KM asked how long it may take to mobilise for a start on site once BSR approval is received. LW – not long but contracts with sub contractors and final procurements will need to completed after approvals, which could take approx. 2 months.

iv) EP asked why the lights on hoardings had to be so bright and why some are pink, some white. LW will check with relevant team; some may still be waiting for shrouds to be fitted. Also to check colours!

v) EP also noted that leaseholders’ estate lighting bills have increased by approx. £400 p.a. Are Mulalley using estate lighting that is paid for by owners? LW confirmed not.

LW

LW

LW

8.0
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 17/3/26 at 7pm

Resident Meeting 22 Jan 7.30pm
2026-01-22 19:30 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Minutes
22 January 2026 7.30 – 9pm
Kings Crescent TRA Community Update Meeting

Attended by:
Remi B (Chair), Kathy M (Vice Chair), Emley (Treasurer), Jill WM, Isadora CM, Ingrid C, Sarah W, Allesandro S, Ellie V, (& another resident).
Summary (by Otter.ai)
The TRA community meeting on January 22, 2026, covered several key points. Remi announced the approval of CDF funding for youth trips and National Lottery applications for a youth club and summer project. EP discussed resident participation in funding decisions and the need for better communication about hot water issues. Kathy M highlighted gardening initiatives, including allotment plots and a community lunch. EP updated on construction plans, including utility diversions and the possible creation of a new play area. The meeting also touched on the need for better community consultation and the potential creation of a WhatsApp group for communication.
Action Items

[ ] @EP – Create and publish the gardening event listing on the community website (using the provided poster and event details)
[ ] Coordinate a mail-out (physical post) to every flat about available allotment plots and sign-up details for the February 22 event
[ ] Send the gardening event poster to the steering/website lead so it can be published and an event created online
[ ] Send an email to the Hackney housing officer to follow up on estate issues
[ ] Contact neighbours in the affected blocks to inform them about the hot water issue and encourage reports
[ ] Send an email to Mulalley/contact liaison tomorrow to raise concerns and request action about the new bright lights and their placement
[ ] Send a message to all residents closer to the meeting date and invite Hackney staff for the community/ETRA meeting on April 16; collect issues to raise on blocks before the meeting
[ ] Follow up with Mulalley about providing two higher raised beds for the allotments and chase progress on the agreed commitment
[ ] Set up a WhatsApp community group (admin-only posting or locked channel) to facilitate one-way communications from the committee and coordinate admins

Outline
Estate Update and Youth Club Funding

CDF has been approved, which will fund trips for estate kids to bowling and cinema plus gardening events and compost etc.
Youth club is not operational yet, but applications for National Lottery funding for the youth club and a summer project have been submitted.
EP mentions that residents can be part of the panel to choose funding recipients for the new Resident Participation Grant.
No other estate issues will be discussed as Hackney staff not present.

Hot Water Issues and Resident Participation

Resident asks about hot water issues in Ardley Court, confirms that many residents are affected.
EP explains that communal boiler systems require multiple reports before Hackney acknowledges the issue.
Resident suggests creating a spreadsheet to track reports, similar to what they do for elevator issues.
Residents discuss the importance of reporting issues and setting up block group chats for better communication.

Gardening and Allotment Plots

Kathy updates on gardening activities, mentioning a mailout to residents about available plots.
There are 68 plots (a few available), including communal ones, and an event is planned for February 22nd to sign up new participants.
In March, a lunch event is planned for allotment users to discuss planning for the growing season and get compost funded by CDF.
EP asks for a poster to be sent for the February event to be posted on the website.

Construction and Planning Updates

EP provides an update on the construction phase, mentioning groundwork and utility diversions.
There will be temporary road closures for sewer diversion, affecting Casper Road for 12 weeks.
EP discusses the impact of construction on green spaces and the need for better communication with Hackney.
Kathy mentions the social value fund and the need for more positive news in the newsletter.

Community Engagement and Social Value

Importance of community engagement and the need for more open meetings.
EP mentions the steering group meetings and the role of resident liaison officers in addressing resident concerns.
Social value fund and the need for ideas for future projects.
Discussed the importance of community consultation and the potential for a temporary kids’ play area.

Artwork and Community Consultation

Upcoming project to create artwork under Weston Court along Green Lanes, involving community consultation.
Suggests involving local artists and residents in the project, including children.
The idea of a mural featuring local residents’ faces and historical elements is discussed.
EP emphasizes the need for more open meetings with Hackney and Mulalley to involve the community in decision-making.

Events and Community Activities

Upcoming events, including an over-60s disco, a women’s mezze night, and a charity event for miscarriage awareness.
The street party is planned for June 11th, with potential for changes due to construction work (Remi to check).
EP suggests using the far pathway for static items like bouncy castle to avoid blocking fire brigade entry.
Allesandro proposes creating a WhatsApp community for better communication, which is supported by the group (admins only able to post).

Committee Meetings and Future Planning

EP mentions the need for a committee meeting to discuss upcoming events and issues.
The next community and ETRA meeting is scheduled for April 16th, with a focus on estate issues as well as community update.
EP discusses the end of CDF funding and the need to plan for the next tax year.
The group discusses the importance of delegating tasks and creating lists for better organization.

All minutes from TRA and Steering Group meetings are available on our website:
https://kingscrescent.org/events-and-meetings/
Plus here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1a7LJqGqoVjfx537yTH1NDjCoZ3QhbqDc?usp=sharing
Minutes taken by Otter.ai, processed by Emley, to be approved at the next meeting.

Miscarriage awareness charity event
2026-03-14 14:00 - 22:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
https://my-my-dreams.sumupstore.com/product/miscarriage-awareness-sponsored-walk-and-event

KC RSG 17 March 2026
2026-03-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom, Murrain Road, London, N4 2GD
Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 17th March 2026

Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)
Residents:
RB, JWM, GG, ES, KM, EP, PD, EV, KH

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Joe Stancer (JS)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM) (minutes)
Lee Walsh (LW)
Christina Byrne (CB)

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley
Mulalley

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

Apologies were received from Alfred Fiorentini, Paul Cushion, Menekse Saitoglu

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 20th January 2026 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

Actions from last minutes:
· Discussions on play facilities ongoing between Mulalley, HHB, LBH
· Footpath has been redirected by Datchworth Court following discussions around DZ6S hoarding
· Feedback from last year’s exhibitions has been incorporated in the Statement of Community Involvement in planning application.
· Invitation for CB to attend this meeting made and she is here
· Source drop ins continuing starting at 4.30 now
· Construction vehicle mud-washing run off now being filtered and Mulalley have an agreement with Thames Water to drain straight into mains

EP raised the issue of lights on the hoardings that were discussed at the last meeting. Some are still very bright and shine into flat windows. LW -highway regulations mean that there needs to be white lights illuminating footpaths, red lights on roadways and a certain lux level maintained. RB – lights shine into her bedroom in Theobalds Ct. KH – Casbeard St seems dark. LW to investigate lighting on Casbeard St.

LW

3.0
Project update – Lee Walsh & Ron Greenwood

3.1

3.2

There is not much new to report from the last meeting. Ground investigations continue; many obstructions, e.g. under the DZ6S site and an old plant room from the towers under Casbeard St. and unregistered services uncovered. Mulalley are undertaking a mapping of the entire estate, which takes time. The water table is high as a result of the wet winter and ground conditions are poor across the whole estate. Concrete that has been unearthed is stockpiled to test if it is contaminated and if it isn’t to be re-purposed.

Questions/comments

i) KH raised the issue of mosquitos that have been a major problem, over summer months but also over the winter too. ES endorsed this, stating that agencies (unknown?) have been investigating the infestation. Bob Miller (Project Manager) is aware of this and is ensuring that, as far as possible, there is no ponding or static water. JWM mentioned the constant high level of standing water in front of the old boiler room. Again, Bob is aware of this and is striving to mitigate impact from this potential mosquito infestation.

ii) EV asked if more notice can be given when noisy works are planned. She recently tried to contact Joanna Kaye, RLO when some loud excavations started and did not receive a response. LW accepted that messaging could be better and Malcolm Stephenson, Senior Project Manager, is working with LBH to agree more effective communications plan. JS confirmed that letters are being sent out to the flats worst affected by the ongoing works. ES asked what hours Mulalley are contracted to work within. LW – 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Mon-Fri and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. In response to ES’s observation that some works went on until 8.00 pm., LW noted that UKPN are not covered by Mulalley’s agreed hours, so this would have been their contractors.

iii) RG updated the meeting on progress with the planning application. This is due to be decided at a Planning Committee in late April. He asked the RSG if members would endorse a statement of support from the group, read out by CP.

KH asked if the record of community consultation included the change of brick colour on some new blocks. RG confirmed that it did.

ES suggested that the 4th bullet point in the list of aspirations: “A well managed and maintained neighbourhood where incidences of anti social behaviour are dealt with effectively,” should be more accurately classified within a management area of responsibility and therefore not a design aspiration. It was agreed to omit this bullet point.

EV stated she wouldn’t be comfortable signing this statement.

KM stated that this was the first time she has seen this document. CS – this is a slightly amended version of a statement that was agreed to and signed by CP and a number of other members for the original planning application. KH suggested this was actually less contentious than the original.

It was agreed that an amended version of the statement would be circulated for members to have another week to comment.

Source

4.0
Introduction to Christina Byrne, Social Value lead at Mulalley

4.1

CB introduced herself and gave an overview of Mulalley’s interpretation of ‘social value.’ This is focused on skills, work experience, employment opportunities and, sometimes directly and sometimes via local charities, is presented via schools and colleges. Mulalley already run a work experience programme across Hackney for 16-24 year olds. Mulalley also use their supply chain to employ local labour. They also partner with Hackney Food bank to provide donations, financial and in kind. RB has provided a list of ideas for projects with the TRA and young people, including trips off the estate while there is no play area/MUGA. Views from young people have been garnered from doorknocking across the estate.

CB – are there any other suggestions from members? It is important to provide as wide a range of choices as possible across age ranges and the local demographic. But it is also important that initiatives funded by Mulalley Social Value Team do not replicate what LBH management should be providing (e.g. maintenance of open spaces).

KM suggested that the success of the allotment/gardening group could be built on by helping generate interest in wider planting opportunities across the estate. CB gave volunteer days from within Mulalley staff as an example of how support in kind can be provided. Hackney Foodbank also has volunteering opportunities.

CP suggested the elders group is a good contact for a different segment of the Kings Crescent population. RB raised the feeling from the doorknocking exercises that many KC-resident elders do not want to attend the Friday lunches in Hackney Showroom. HS are still delivering some lunches on the estate. HS also organise other activities, e.g. over 60’s disco.

EP asked if Mulalley can generate a list of projects that have had success in the past to stimulate ideas that could work here. CP suggested this accompanies the list that LW showed the meeting of projects already funded.

LW noted the proposal for a celebration, possibly a barbecue to mark the milestone of the new planning approval. This could take the place of the next scheduled RSG date. KH asked if there could be a digger available for children who are excited by construction vehicles.

EV noted that there is an appetite for residents to meet each other more. Estate-wide social events might help promote this. CS added that the Source drop ins are available for residents who do not want to attend formal meetings.

KM acknowledged that language issues sometimes prevent greater levels of involvement. Turkish-speaking parents often bring their children to interpret but many are now getting involved in the allotment group (now there are 69 allotment beds in the phase 1 courtyards with many new people involved).

Much communication between residents at the moment is conducted via WhatsApp groups. KH – there are 127 members of the Leaseholders Action Group, with 100+ communicating on whats app. He added that there is a sense of demoralisation amongst residents in the north side ‘new’ blocks, particularly leaseholders who have experienced many issues with the management of the common areas, in particular the lifts. RB is in the process of setting up an estate-wide whats app group through the TRA.

Mulalley (CB?)

5.0
Source update

5.1
CS – drop ins still useful, held on the first Wednesday of each month, 4.30 to 6.30 in Hackney Showroom. The February drop in highlighted the appearance of the hoarding around the DZ6S site and the closure of the footpath. Credit is due to Mulalley for responding quickly to this. JS will attend the drop in on 1/4/26 to deal with queries, concerns about the proposed temporary parking rearrangements.

Source can also be a conduit for social value ideas that residents might communicate to us. We have raised the opportunities presented by the proposals for artwork or an enlivening of the Weston Court Green Lanes façade.

Further suggestions were raised for public displays: JWM – could we use the material that is available on the history of KC? Stories on hoardings? EV suggested that a better public mapping of the blocks would be welcomed.

6.0
AOB

6.1
ES sought clarification on the Weston Court Green Lanes elevation proposal. RG – the proposals at the moment are that there would be artwork that is co-designed between residents and a professional artist. CB has an artist contact who has produced work in Finsbury Park. KH noted the well known mural in Dalston and KM the artwork at Regents Park Estate that features ex residents. She suggested trying out ideas on the hoardings that currently envelop the site.

6.2
ES asked if lessons are being learnt from the experience of residents in the phase 1&2 blocks in terms of design, installation of services etc.? KH suggested that if LBH can confirm that the same issues will not affect the new blocks, the fact that these issues have been acknowledged and efforts made to ensure they do not repeat, might improve morale slightly amongst the current leaseholders. RG confirmed that LBH are of course very much aware of the issues with lifts etc. and will continue to learn lessons from phase 1&2 and strive to make sure these problems do not reoccur.

7.0
Date of next meeting

7.1
It was proposed that the June meeting would take the form of a wider community event. Current dates already occupied include 14/6 for a TRA family fun day and 11/7 for Hackney Showroom’s street party. Other suggestions included an early evening summer event, potentially on a Friday.

Kings Crescent Residents Steering Group

Meeting to be held on
Tuesday 17th March 2026 starting at 7.00pm
Hackney Showroom

AGENDA

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Potter (Chair)

2
Minutes from the last meeting 20th January and matters arising

Cllr Potter (Chair)

3
Project update & RSG support for planning application
Lee Walsh, (Mulalley)

4
Introduction to Social Value Manager Christina Byrne
(Mulalley) and Discussion

Cllr Potter

5
ITLA Up-date
Carol & John
(Source Partnership)

7
AOB
Cllr Potter (Chair)

8
Date of next meeting
Cllr Potter (Chair)
