Hackney residents to see empty buildings reclaimed for community use
Mayor Zoë Garbett has initiated a formal investigation into property and land ownership across Hackney, marking a significant shift in how the borough manages its physical assets. The “Who Owns Hackney?” project is designed to map out the current use of land and identify opportunities to return underutilised spaces to the public. This initiative follows a campaign commitment to prioritise community benefit over private speculation in the local property market.
The investigation represents a response to two decades of rapid change in East London, where rising property values have often outpaced the needs of long-term residents. By establishing a transparent record of ownership, the council aims to address concerns regarding vacant properties and the loss of community-focused venues.
Investigation into borough-wide land ownership
The first phase of the project involves a comprehensive audit of land usage. Hackney Council teams are tasked with identifying every parcel of land within the borough boundaries to determine its current owner and its designated use. This data will form the basis of a new strategy to give residents a greater voice in local development.
This audit is not limited to private holdings; it also includes a rigorous assessment of land already held by the local authority. The goal is to create a record that clarifies who controls the spaces where people live and work. This transparency is intended to empower local voluntary organisations and small businesses who often struggle to find affordable premises. The findings will inform future options for community-led land use.
Legal mechanisms for reclaiming vacant properties
A key component of the Who Owns Hackney? investigation is the assessment of legal tools available to the council to intervene in the property market. Mayor Garbett has requested a full review of options for bringing empty or derelict buildings back into active use.
This review specifically includes the potential application of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs). While CPOs are typically used for large-scale infrastructure projects, the council is exploring how they might be applied to long-term vacant sites that have become a blight on the neighbourhood. Additionally, the investigation will look at community right to buy powers, which could allow local groups the first opportunity to purchase assets that are of value to the community when they come onto the market.
Community access to council-managed buildings
Beyond private property, the investigation focuses on the council’s own estate. Mayor Garbett has ordered a review of how community halls and other council-owned spaces are currently utilised. The objective is to lower barriers for voluntary organisations and community groups seeking space for meetings, workshops, and social services.
Currently, many community halls operate under management agreements that may not align with modern local needs. The review will look at streamlining the booking process and ensuring that these community assets are accessible to the widest possible range of residents. This move is seen as a vital step in rebuilding the social infrastructure of the borough.
Policy objectives and resident priorities
Launching the investigation, Mayor Zoë Garbett noted that residents have a right to know who controls their neighbourhoods and in whose interests those spaces are managed. The project is framed as the first step in a broader effort to reclaim the borough for its communities.
While the council acknowledges it cannot control every property in the borough, the investigation is intended to ensure every available power is used to meet the needs of residents first. The findings of the audit and the subsequent policy recommendations are expected to provide a roadmap for future land use. Residents can stay informed on the progress of the investigation through official council news bulletins and mayoral updates.
Source: Hackney Council
Source check Official Policy Brief
This report is based on official policy documents and statements released by the Mayor of Hackney regarding the 2026 land ownership investigation.
- Verified mayoral mandate for the 'Who Owns Hackney?' investigation
- Confirmed legislative tools including Compulsory Purchase Orders and Community Right to Bu...
- Cross-referenced council audit protocols for public land usage
- Source
- Hackney Council
- Scope
- Hackney
- Updated
- 2026-05-22 06:05
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