Parklets

We have committed to reducing the dominance of cars on our roads in our transport strategy. Approximately 70% of our residents don’t own a vehicle, yet the kerbside remains dominated by parking. Our valuable kerbside space could instead be used for something to improve the urban realm for all, rather than simply using it for car storage.

Parklets are a means of repurposing a parking space on the street where you live, or near a business premises, for community or business uses rather than for the parking of cars. They can include planters, seating, games, notice boards or anything that collective creativity and inventiveness can come up with.

Visit parklet design guidance

 

Parklets in Hackney

This map shows all publicly available parklets in the borough.

Do you want a parklet of your own?

All are welcome to submit ideas for community or business parklets. If your proposal passes the first application stage, you’ll be asked to submit detailed designs before the final approval is given.

If you become a Parklet Keeper, you will be responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of your parklet, so this is a great chance to be part of how your community develops. Parklets can be designed and managed by groups of neighbours, individuals or businesses.

 

Parklets

Application process

The parklet programme is available to Hackney residents, community groups and businesses. Application windows are open twice a year; in spring and in autumn.

Applying for a parklet is simple:

1. Register your interest

Register your interest

Application windows are open twice a year; in spring and in autumn.

We will contact you before the application windows are open so that you can begin the application process.

You may wish to complete steps 2 to 4 prior to the application window opening.

2. Read the parklet design guidance

3. Come up with a proposal

What kind of parklet do you want to create? Have you got funding from somewhere for the construction and running costs?

The design guidance above sets out the things you will need to consider when developing your parklet proposal. You may wish to engage with an installation company to discuss your proposals and get an estimate for cost.

4. Discuss with your neighbours and get their support

Parklets are not determined by a “vote” but it helps Council decision making if you can provide some evidence of wider support from your community.

You can use the letter of support template below and submit this along with your proposal.

5. Stage 1 application

When the application window opens, we will be in touch with you to confirm your intent to apply for a parklet and will provide you with the Stage 1 application form.

We will evaluate proposals to see if they are workable in principle and where the location is suitable at a fundamental level (for example, not representing a safety hazard). If you are successful at this first stage you will be invited to produce a more detailed Stage 2 application.

If your Stage 1 proposal is rejected, we will provide feedback on why it was not suitable. You will have the opportunity to reapply again using the Stage 1 application form.

6. Stage 2 application

If successful at Stage 1, you will be required to submit the following documents as part of your Stage 2 application:

  • detailed designs for your parklet
  • maintenance plan
  • finance plan
  • evidence of local support
  • evidence of public liability insurance

You can find further guidance on these in the parklet design guidance.

Council officers will then consider the suitability of the detailed proposal and will work with you on this over a period of time.

They will also discuss with you any fees that are due in relation to your proposal (e.g. licensing fees if any commercial activity is specified as part of your proposal).

A road safety audit must also be undertaken, which will identify any potential road safety issues or problems relating to your parklet design, that may affect all users of the highway.

The audit will recommend a series of measures to eliminate or mitigate these problems and you will be given the opportunity to amend your proposal accordingly. As part of this, we may arrange for a highways engineer to visit your site to discuss your proposal.

Successful proposals will be delivered under a Traffic Management Order – a statutory process which requires a mandatory public consultation. All proposals risk being refused if we receive notable objections from this consultation.

However, by gaining support through Step 4 of the parklet application process, it is more likely your proposal will be accepted.

We expect it to take at least 90 days for any successful proposed parklet to be fully approved and ready for installation.

7. Approval

Once your parklet design is approved and the Traffic Management Order is in place, you will be asked to enter into a Parklet Keeper  agreement with the Council. Once your agreement has been signed you will then be able to start installing your parklet.

Parklet FAQs

Page updated on: 29 June 2023