Gentrification and Community Changes in Hackney and Tongdean

Gentrification

Process of wealthier residents moving into an area.

Hackney

Borough in East London, historically working class.

2012 Olympics

Event that spurred local development in Hackney.

Government Austerity Program

Cuts to benefits and spending after 2008 crisis.

18.6% Unemployment Rate

Percentage of Hackney residents unemployed in 2024.

43% Child Poverty Rate

Proportion of children living in poverty in Hackney.

Close-knit Community

Strong social ties among local residents historically.

Traditional Amenities

Local pubs, cafes, and bakeries before gentrification.

Yuppies

Affluent young professionals moving into Hackney.

Artistic Scene

Emergence of art-focused businesses post-gentrification.

Village Atmosphere

Community feel maintained despite urban setting.

Crime Rates

High theft and antisocial behavior, low burglary.

Industrial Decline

Reduction of industrial buildings prior to Olympics.

Local Shops

Traditional businesses replaced by upscale venues.

Community Change

Shift from working class to middle class demographics.

Long-term Residents

People who have lived in Hackney for decades.

Art in Daily Life

Efforts to integrate art into community spaces.

Social Isolation

Some residents feel disconnected due to gentrification.

Housing Affordability

Rising costs forcing locals to move out.

Cultural Shift

Transformation of local culture due to new demographics.

Heart of the Community

Street serves as central gathering place for residents.

Brexit

UK's exit from the EU affecting local demographics.

Affluent Individuals

Wealthy newcomers changing local community dynamics.

East London Accents

Distinctive speech patterns of local residents.

Racism

Prejudice against foreigners affecting community attitudes.

Traditional Shops

Local businesses closing due to rising rents.

Soup Kitchens

Support services for low-income individuals in need.

Homelessness Referrals

1,700 reports of rough sleeping in 2024.

Council Housing

Public housing availability issues for new residents.

Local Prices

Low costs for basic goods, e.g., £1 muffins.

Gentrification

Wealthy residents pushing out lower-income communities.

Community Displacement

Long-term residents forced to leave due to costs.

Mental Health Issues

Increased depression and hopelessness among residents.

Demographic Shift

Change in community composition towards younger populations.

High Rent

Increased costs making it difficult for locals to stay.

Jewellery Sales

Residents selling possessions to afford living expenses.

Streetlink

Service for reporting homelessness in the area.

Diverse Population

Variety of ethnic backgrounds in Hackney's community.

Educational Attainment

Higher education levels among new affluent residents.

Community Services

Support systems for those facing economic hardship.

Local Businesses

Small enterprises struggling against larger corporations.

Retirement Age

Mandatory retirement at 70 affecting housing stability.

Animosity

Increased hostility towards newcomers and foreigners.

Tongdean

Suburban area between A270 and South Downs.

A270 Old Shoreham Road

Major road bordering Tongdean to the north.

South Downs

Natural region bordering Tongdean to the south.

**** Road

Eastern boundary road of Tongdean.

**** Road Avenue

Eastern boundary avenue of Tongdean.

Goldstone Water Works

Historic public building in Tongdean.

Convent of the Sacred Heart

Religious institution located in Tongdean.

Barrowfield Estate

Housing estate built in garden suburb style.

Low-rise housing

Predominantly single or two-story homes.

Low-density housing

Housing with large plots and gardens.

Detached homes

Single-family houses not sharing walls.

Semi-detached homes

Houses sharing one wall with another.

Architectural cohesion

Lack of uniformity in building designs.

Public realm

Shared public spaces and streetscapes.

Green verges

Landscaped strips along roads for aesthetics.

Hove Park

Nearby recreational area with open spaces.

Three-Cornered Copes

Local recreational space accessible from Tongdean.

Affluent homeowners

High percentage of wealthy residents.

Car ownership

High rates of vehicle ownership in Tongdean.

Microclimate

Localized climate influenced by topography.

Character Areas

Distinct zones with unique housing styles.

Hove Park Character Area

Interwar and post-war houses near schools.

Goldstone Valley Character Area

Post-war housing with sea views and gardens.

Demographic Characteristics

Wealthy families, well-educated, low multiculturalism.

Tongdean Conservation Area

Low-rise residential suburb in northwest Brighton & Hove.

Development Period

Mainly developed between 1860 and 1939.

Architectural Style

Predominantly Tudorbethan and vernacular revival.

Character Definition

Defined by large, individually designed houses.

Street Characteristics

Mature trees, greenery, and high boundary walls.

Historical Development

Originally farmland, developed into suburb by late 19th century.

Rapid Development

Occurred between 1910 and 1939, low-density suburb.

**** Road Avenue

Mainly Edwardian houses, steep roofs, and high traffic.

Tongdean Avenue/Road

Quieter streets with varied 1920s-1930s house styles.

Traditional Materials

Includes brick, clay tile, and flint.

House Condition

Well maintained, many extended or altered.

Development Pressures

Risk of demolishing or subdividing large plots.

Enhancement Opportunities

Restoring original features and preserving greenery.

New England Quarter

Historical significance related to railway manufacturing.

Railway Maintenance Centralization

Started in Brighton in 1842.

Locomotive Manufacturing

Established by John Chester Craven in 1852.

Peak Employment

2,651 workers at Brighton Railway Works in 1891.

Southern Railway Formation

Formed in 1923, shifted focus to repairs.

Last Locomotive Built

Completed on 30 March 1957.

Closure of Works

Brighton Railway Works closed in 1958.

Demolition of Buildings

Works buildings demolished in 1969.