Kings Crescent

Meet the architects event 4 June 2025
2025-06-04 16:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | 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)

ETRA & Community Meeting 16 April 2026
2026-04-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
MINUTES
16 April 2026 7.30 – 9pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association & Community Update Meeting

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

Resident attendees: K MacEwen, P Cushion, I Marlow, J Walker-Murrain, R Bevis, S Wissler, K Bagci, S Hulcoop, E Pine, R Awesu, J Herrera, V Blaskova, A Montanari, J Mankelar, E Virk

Hackney staff: June Welcome (housing officer), Manoj Pawara (cleaning team)

Apologies: P Melville (resident)

Remi (TRA Chair)

Meeting attended by June Welcome our Housing Officer and possibly other Hackney staff – June invited various teams. In the end we had Manoj from the cleaning team.

· Approval of minutes from last meetings:
-18.09.2025 was last ETRA meeting – Approved by Isadora, Kathy,
– 22.01.2026 was last community meeting – Approved by Sarah, Jill
No objections

2
Estate Cleaning

· June updated on progress with standards of cleaning since last meeting
Bernard not available, sent Manoj.
Haven’t been able to do an estate walkabout yet but have been together to address specific issues. Tuesday next week plan to go through the old blocks starting in Bramfield to highlight issues and basic standards. June has managed cleaning in the past. Basic standards need addressing. Where landings are full of clutter cleaners are ignoring.
Q – PC – 2 weeks ago big bin stuck outside chute room (by bin man), blocking all bins, all filled up over Easter. Lots of fly tipping – armchairs etc. Part of rent now goes on rubbish collection
Cleaning team blames collection team and vice versa
Road sweeper just sits on cab not helping
KB – people sitting on stairs in Kelshall making a mess, door not secure so can be yanked open, sit on 3rd/5th floor. June to let enforcement know.
SH – residents don’t have a say in what is cleaned. Some things get cleaned every day but other things don’t get cleaned. Is there a way for residents to suggest what neds cleaning if something is not getting done.
Also group of youth hanging out in Chipping, write on walls, spitting, burned railings. Problem before but possibly not happening now. June identified one of the boys involved and spoke to his parent about the issue, hasn’t had complaints since then.
Wallington – ground floor swept every day but 3rd floor rarely gets cleaned, pine needles left for months after Christmas
Manoj – there is a new cleaning schedule – Bernard to share
Bramfield main entrance door keeps breaking and security cameras sprayed. Recycling bins getting full and people leaving cat litter and general fly tipping. EP – the issue on Queens Drive has been ongoing for months, Cllr Potter is aware.
If see fly tipping try to note the vehicle details and licence plate, take a video if possible (only if no danger) then can be sent to enforcement and people can be prosecuted. Similar issue outside bulk waste store new build.
Pigeon droppings not cleaned near Lemsford

June Welcome
Housing Officer ? cleaning team
Bernard and June to have estate walk about to address cleaning standards

June/Manoj to address rubbish issue

June to tell enforcement about youth in Kelshall

Bernard to share cleaning schedule and ask if residents can input into frequencies

3
Repairs

June update:
Apologies that no one from repairs is willing to attend today.

Repairs – email from Sean Roche – Repairs Customer Services/Call-Out Manager
I apologise for the previous Repairs Officer’s candid comments regarding our internal processes.
I can confirm that the Repairs Contact Centre currently lacks a formal diagnostic tool, which occasionally results in misdiagnostics and errors in scheduling or allocation. Hackney is aware of this issue and is exploring interim solutions, as a diagnostic tool will be included in the upcoming rollout of the new integrated Housing Management System.
Regarding how repair costs are covered, I understand these are typically handled through service charges rather than being job-specific. However, this would need to be confirmed by the Homeownership team.
I know it’s not a lot, but it includes some feedback from both areas. It is especially important, I think, to include information about the diagnostic tool within the rollout of the Integrated housing Management system. That will benefit all residents who request repairs and help ensure diagnostics are correct at the first point of contact.
Email reply to June from Josephine Burton – Home Ownership Services
-Service charge queries for Kings Crescent Estate are being addressed via the disputes process. However, if there are any new queries, that have not already been raised and answered, we can provide written responses to specific questions either in advance or after the meeting
-With regard to leaseholders’ service charges, under the terms of the lease agreement, an estimated service charge is payable each year in advance which is notified prior to the beginning of each financial year. Within six months of the end of each financial year (usually September) leaseholders are provided with a statement of actual service charge costs incurred which is then reconciled against the sum collected on the estimates for the corresponding year.
Leaseholders have a legal right to ask for an itemised breakdown of the actual service charge bill and this is where queries such as the one outlined below are raised:
‘Question I posed: Leaseholders have enquired whether they are charged for repeat repair visits when operatives arrive with the wrong parts or to examine an issue that has already been reviewed. ‘
There is no single answer and each case has to be individually assessed on the basis of whether it is reasonable to charge for a repeat visit. For example, it is possible that investigation was required to determine a correct part and that it had to be ordered and fitted on a repeat visit or that an issue reviewed by an operative had to be referred to a specialist due to unexpected/complex issue being discovered at the first visit. –
Leaseholders have a right to ask for a detailed breakdown of service charges
June advised it is best to keep paying service charge but email to say you are paying under protest, but need to adhere to contract
Repairs vs home services team no one takes responsibility for quality of services delivered and paid for
KPI about percentage of monitoring – will ask director if there
· Broken courtyard gates
Courtyard gate ‘fixed’ but not properly, fixed the lock but not the closing mechanism, have to push it closed. Gate is too heavy for the closer it has. Drug users are coming into the courtyard. Residents having to ask drug users to leave. Needs to be reported to community safety. Bin rooms also used by drug users, can tell people have been in there from the graffiti and bits left, fear of opening it as not sure what will find.
Bike storage room – people try to force the doors open at night. Kimpton bike store door is about to break.
Barley Court door was broken, homeless people sleeping on the stairs. Doors constantly broken. Fixed 1 month ago, broken again. Noted that this issue has been raised for the past 7 years!!

· Lighting Theobalds Court – nothing from repairs

· Flooded area under old boiler room
Took a lot of work to get it escalated and various teams involved but they have drained the flooded area now. Likely identified the source of water leak and will fix it
Environmental health assessed the mosquito type. Is empty now so hopefully won’t be an issue this summer. Ground water lever raised from the flood in 2019 so not sure if that is contributing but ongoing work on this.
Also fountains were not working last summer in Clissold ponds. Is working now.
Environmental health said that the mosquitoes in the park were different and the source was not there.
Environmental health were being notified when people were bitten, set traps to analyse mosquitoes, investing
Don’t have plant pots etc with water collection as breeding ground for mosquitoes

Window fallen out, chased repairs, June: need to make a formal complaint

· How can residents be kept updated on progress of repairs? – no response

· Who supervises to ensure repairs are carried out effectively given the repeated nature of raised issues? – no response

June Welcome
Housing Officer
Message from repairs team

June to request environmental health report regarding mosquito breed and source of issue

June to continue to monitor repairs issues

4
Lift Issues

· Updates since last meeting
· High costs of repairs ? value for money
Karsten checked with Cllr Clare Potter, not much to update unfortunately. She checked and no news on root cause analysis from Ron Greenwood. Spoke to a lift engineer by chance re Wallington court lift; he was going to make a few upgrades, including the door. The lift door does seem to operate more smoothly now and not broken down since.

Remote monitoring system was installed recently so that night help

Ongoing issues with call bells and lack of mobile signal so trapped, but Hackney keeps saying it is working, but issues keep happening.

Karsten Hartmann (resident) sent update

5
Other Issues Raised by Residents

Monthly inspections update – doesn’t have a set schedule. June has KPIs to meet, usually do them all in the first 2 weeks. If people want to join the inspection can get in touch with June and she can schedule their block. Top to bottom damaged paintwork, broken items, cleaning issues etc. New blocks quite easy. Should not be storing things in communal areas. In older blocks the biggest issue is clutter on landings that obstructs landings and fire escape route. Laundry hanging is not good. Email June via neighbourhood email if want to join a block inspection. Neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk
Bike store update – lack of usable space. Some bikes broken or covered in dust and clearly not being used. Has put warning notices on these. Will letter drop every resident to give them a last chance to claim the bikes (to be sent out next week). Will be removed soon. Will be put in storage for 28 days then disposed of.

June Welcome
Housing Officer

Urine in Theobalds lift, cleaner thought it was a dog but it isn’t. June has written a letter, will be sent to block soon.

6
Community Update

· Funding update
Won resident participation grant for £10,000 to fund youth projects
Ongoing CDF funding for gardening, youth and events
TRA committee members

· Gardening update
9 new gardeners
Mulalley have put in 2 new raised beds
69 beds
Bought compost and now making own compost (compost team)
Lots of activity in the courtyards
Ongoing issue with tap not working (old email pump wasn’t working, was resolved, but not working again). Many residents are not able to carry buckets
Rain collectors don’t really work, Hackney teams don’t take responsibility

· Youth update
Homework club Tuesdays (Hackney Showroom)
Youth club back on, Wednesdays now 4.15-6pm (Hackney Showroom)

7
Any other business?

Remi (TRA Chair)

Residents complaining about the children playing in the small courtyard with the slide (behind Rushden etc). Playing during the day.
Could residents be reminded that children are allowed to play during the day up to 8pm?

June to write to residents reminding that children allowed to play

Mice – spotting signs of it in Sandon court, call the pest control
June requested block treatment

June to arrange block treatment with pest control

8
Dates of next meetings & close
· Street party 11 July 2026
· ETRA/Community meeting Tuesday 14 July 2026
· AGM/Social Thursday 22 October 2026

Remi (TRA Chair)

Agenda
16 April 2026 7.30 – 9pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association & Community Meeting

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

Meeting will be attended by June Welcome our Housing Officer and possibly other Hackney staff
· Approval of minutes from last meetings
–18.09.2025 was last ETRA meeting
– 22.01.2026 was last community meeting

2
Estate Cleaning

· June to update on progress with standards of cleaning since last meeting
5 mins
June Welcome
Housing Officer ? cleaning team

3
Repairs

· Lighting Theobalds Court
· Flooded area under old boiler room
· Broken courtyard gates
· How can residents be kept updated on progress of repairs
· Who supervises to ensure repairs are carried out effectively given the repeated nature of raised issues
10 mins
June Welcome
Housing Officer
? someone from repairs team

4
Lift Issues

· Updates since last meeting
· High costs of repairs ? value for money

5 mins
Karsten Hartmann (resident) to send update

5
Other Issues Raised by Residents

Monthly inspections update
Bike store update

10 mins
June Welcome
Housing Officer

6
Community Update

· Funding update
· Gardening update
· Youth update
30 mins
TRA committee members

7
Any other business?

5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

8
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

All minutes of previous meetings can be found in the relevant event page and HERE

Family Fun Morning 14 June 2026
2026-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Free Event, All Welcome

Street Party 2026
2026-07-12 14:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Join us on the Play Street (Murrain Road) for a Street Party!
Hosted by Hackney Showroom and Kings Crescent Tenants & Residents Association

Book your free tickets HERE so we know you are coming

ETRA & Community Meeting 14 July 2026
2026-07-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Minutes
14 July 2026 7.30 – 9pm in Hackney Showroom
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association & Community Update Meeting

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

Meeting attended by June Welcome (LBH) and 9 residents: Emley (Treasurer) Remi (Chair), Jill , Ellie, Paul, Sarah W, Sarah H, Isadora CM, Kathy M,

Apologies from PM (resident)

Remi (TRA Chair)

Approval of minutes from last ETRA/community meeting 17.04.2026 – approved by: Sarah W & Jill
No comments

2
Changes to Hackney’s Neighbourhood Approach

Emley (TRA Treasurer)

New housing, support and funding structure for Hackney TRAs

New funding structure – all applied for together in one go, Remi has done this for 2026-2027 and we have received the funds already (more on that later).

New housing & support structure – All residents should have received a flyer ‘your new housing services’ which shows we are in the North-West neighbourhood team. Emley attended a webinar hosted by Oliur Raman and other Hackney staff last night (slides and recording will be shared).
New housing management structure aiming to resolve the longstanding issues – break down silos between Hackney teams, focus on communication and getting issues resolved efficiently, sharing knowledge across teams, new triage system to ensure issue gets to the right team, all issues logged and tracked by team, culture change at Hackney with greater accountability.
Brought in 2 new experts with background in repairs and systems
Other TRAs all frustrated by same issues we are here

Residents to continue to report repairs etc directly to relevant teams but if not sure who to contact or ongoing issues contact the new triage team on 02083563330 or email neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk

June encouraged residents to feedback on how it’s going with the new system. Will take time to settle in but Hackney are open to feedback on how it is going.

3
Housing Issues

· Mosquito issue
UKHSA has been investigating the increasing numbers of mosquitoes biting residents around this area.

Report not yet requested from UKHSA but June has walked around with them a few times. Previously flooded boiler area under Theobalds Court was suspected to be responsible, pumps checked, leak looked for but not found. After a few days of rain a pipe was dripping into the pit so that was investigated. Was some mosquito larvae in the boiler room but not enough to be causing the whole issue. UKHSA set traps in courtyards. When walking around there were lots of buckets and pots in the allotments full of water and mosquito larvae. Need communications sent out to all properties to encourage checking for standing water and eliminating breeding grounds. Boiler room area has been treated. People still getting bitten though.
Sarah W reported that 2 out of 3 water butts in the allotment courtyard were full of water with larvae and mosquitoes. Sarah emptied and cleaned them out. The few others around the estate need to be checked.
Possible issues with water collecting on balconies.
UKHSA found water collecting in drains and larvae found there. UKHSA acting on all sites found

· Rubbish collection/cleaning issue
Bins not being collected on time, bins not being rotated under chutes, bin chambers not being cleaned properly, sometimes bin cupboard locked so residents can’t access, sometimes bins left outside of the cupboard so not collecting waste from the chutes. Chutes are still getting blocked.
Recycling used to be collected twice a week, now not even once a week, builds up, needs to be addressed.

(Raise with the new team)

· Fly tipping
Ongoing issues with fly tipping outside Bramfield Court bins and on the street outside Bramfield. Someone regularly leaves bags of used cat litter on the street near the recycling bins that ends up spread across the pavement.

· Cleaning
Ongoing issue with blocks not been moped properly and general substandard cleaning levels, particularly in the older blocks.

Walkabout with Bernard in May. Highlighted some issues, some have started to improve. June doing a handover for each block, what issues ongoing that need to be followed up.
Still no cleaning schedule, requested, will pass it on
Still basic issues not being addressed. June has highlighted them and will pass onto new team.

· Repairs
Ongoing issues with general repairs and lifts.

Broken gate next to café/ Kimpton ongoing– has to be closed manually (takes ages so often not closed by residents), door heavy, hinge issue makes it resist being closed

New signs on playground saying children allowed to play until 9pm (put up by communal repairs team)
This summer so far kids have been mainly on play street and not causing any issues lately in the courtyards

Mice in Sandon Court. Pest control visited block and ground floor properties. Plan for full block treatment.

Baby rats by the play street, outside HS, run through drainage tunnels for the trees.

Monthly inspections done to the end of June (by June Welcome and details being handed over to new team)

Bike store issue has been addressed, warnings given and later around 30 broken/abandoned bikes have been removed between 2 stores. 2 complaints that wrong bikes removed incorrectly but they have been resolved. June will hand over to the new team to monitor the situation moving forward and check other bike stores.

Hackney representative:
June Welcome

Hackney: Letter to be sent to residents asking not to have standing water on property

Hackney: request UKHSA report

Remi: raise bin issue with new team

Hackney: follow up with fly tipping issue on Queens Drive

Hackney: Share cleaning schedule, follow up with standards issues highlighted by June

Hackney: address ongoing gate issue next to café

Hackney: follow up re mice in Sandon and address rat issue on play street

4
Other Issues Raised by Residents

New issues to be raised with Hackney

Mice in bin chute cupboard between Kelshall and Therfield courts
Fob access still broken to there

Play street – lack of signage to show that it is a play street. Confusing. Not safe for kids. Cyclists and motorbikes zoom past with disregard for the children.
The play street is critical, especially now ball court is gone. Emley/Jill/Kathy will bring it to Steering Group plus raise with Nnem and new team. Remi meeting with Ron regarding clarity around what is allowed on the Play Street – debated, not Ron’s choice to make.
It is a play street and it’s not safe.
Paul suggested staggered barriers to make bikes slow down. He raised it with Carol at Regeneration meeting, will pass onto Ron’s team
Rock was moved so vans coming into play area – Mulalley need to move the rock back
June to pass it on to new estate team, we will take it to steering group. ? raise with police team. Report the delivery drivers, will get a fine

Mulalley issue, kids can get onto site through Weston. Remi etc shout to tell the kids to come out but the site needs to be secure
Theobalds chute blocked for months, cleared for a few days, but someone putting boxes in and keep blocking it. Now major fly issues causing problems in the flats nearby. Can residents be told how to use chutes or to close them.

Lots of dust collecting in flats from the building works – they are spraying with water but maybe not effective. Not able to clean out of the carpet. Raise with Mulalley and at Steering Group for ongoing building site dust

Rotting fish/oil smell very strong – call environmental health

Tap in the courtyard broken again, plumber coming tomorrow

Residents

Hackney: Address mice issue and broken lock

Hackney – new team, RSG and community safety team: address safety issue on play street

Mulalley:
Move rock back to block play street access, ensure whole site is secure, reduce dust going into flats

Hackney: send communications to residents about using chutes appropriately

5
Community Update

· New committee members needed
Remi announced she is stepping down as Chair at the next AGM. We also need a new Secretary in order to continue as a TRA.
So we are looking for new Chair and Secretary
Remi is willing to continue to manage Youth and Emley willing to continue as Treasurer (though happy to hand over of anyone else wants it!!) but both need to reduce the workload of TRA management.
Sarah W possible volunteer
Nnem and Resident Participation team have volunteered to support us with recruiting residents and helping everyone understand what the TRA is, what the benefits are and what we will lose if we don’t have involved residents to step into the key roles at the next AGM (currently planned for January).
· Funding update
New Hackney system – got the funding already for the 26/27 year. Received £6,050.00 from Hackney recently to fund the planned community activities, insurance, administration and ‘big lunch’,
Alessandro from the TRA committee has kindly set up a new WhatsApp group for community updates, the aim is to just post once in one group, it will be for announcements only with only the admins able to post. Other groups will remain for conversations. But please join the community group to hear announcements moving forward. Follow this link to join new WhatsApp Kings Crescent Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KVwFnwQiyrM5FOf0yXj5Ae
Beach trip to Clacton planned for 5th September, 60 seater coach, will go out to everyone, charge: Adults £5, children £2 to ensure people attend.
· Gardening update
Informal gatherings in the allotments ongoing
Will plan more events
Tap issue was fixed but broke again recently (repair booked for tomorrow)

· Youth update
Last week this Wednesday. Back in September. Leah on maternity leave now. Over 20 kids, looking for more funding from Mulalley
? Hackney funding for disability SEN support

TRA committee members

6
Any other business?

Next Family Fun Morning 15 Aug 11am-1pm, studio space as quiet space, all welcome
Street party update: went well this weekend (12 July), everyone was happy with food, bouncy castle, kids hat making and competition, glitter tattoos, face painting, all free. Everyone had a great time.

Comment that Hackney Showroom building is hot. KM feels it is not a suitable venue for events, Remi: Hackney authorised this as a venue. General feeling that it is not appropriate for hires to take over the street as part of the venue for 6 hours.
Remi speaking to Ron about the policies about the use of the venue as an event space for hire
Safety issue. If not challenged can get more out of hand and more dangerous for duty manager.

Drug dealing on corner outside Sainsburys – residents encouraged to report to safer neighbourhood police team. They gather information and can then target patrols more efficiently: https://www.met.police.uk/area/your-area/met/hackney/brownswood/contact-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

Remi (TRA Chair)

Remi: to discuss HS as a venue with Ron

7
Dates of next meetings & close

· Family fun morning 15 Aug 2026 11am-1pm
· Beach trip 5 Sept (details coming)
· 15th October 2026 (was going to be AGM but postponing that, so will be normal ETRA and Community meeting)

Remi (TRA Chair)

All minutes of previous meetings can be found in the relevant event page and HERE

Join the Residents Association Committee and Hackney Housing officer to hear updates about estate issues and community activity updates.
Agenda
14 July 2026 7.30 – 9pm in Hackney Showroom
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association & Community Update Meeting

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA/community meeting
16.04.2026

2
Changes to Hackney’s Neighbourhood Approach
10 mins
Emley (TRA Treasurer)

New housing, support and funding structure for Hackney TRAs

3
Housing Issues

· Mosquito issue
UKHSA has been investigating the increasing numbers of mosquitoes biting residents around this area.
· Rubbish collection/cleaning issue
Bins not being collected on time, bins not being rotated under chutes, bin chambers not being cleaned properly, sometimes bin cupboard locked so residents can’t access, sometimes bins left outside of the cupboard so not collecting waste from the chutes. Chutes are still getting blocked.
· Fly tipping
Ongoing issues with fly tipping outside Bramfield Court bins and on the street outside Bramfield. Someone regularly leaves bags of used cat litter on the street near the recycling bins that ends up spread across the pavement.
· Cleaning
Ongoing issue with blocks not been moped properly and general substandard cleaning levels, particularly in the older blocks.
· Repairs
Ongoing issues with general repairs and lifts.

30 mins
Hackney staff TBC

4
Other Issues Raised by Residents
5 mins

Other issues to be raised with Hackney

Residents

5
Community Update

· New committee members needed
· Funding update
· Gardening update
· Youth update
30 mins
TRA committee members

6
Any other business?

5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)

7
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Remi (TRA Chair)
