Did you know that The Wick newspaper (and this weekly newsletter) form part of a wider three-pillar model for a new kind of creative-led approach to urban regeneration?

In an article written for the current summer 2025 issue of Urban Design Journal, we set out the strategy that has taken shape here over the last 15 years, explaining how what’s become known as the ‘Hackney Wick Model’ might be a successful blueprint to be adopted elsewhere, too.

Via the three pillars of Connection (holding monthly CIG meetings, see box below), Communication (that’s The Wick) and Community Ownership (the work of HWFI Community Development Trust in securing long leases on affordable creative workspaces), many of the traditional challenges - including the wholesale displacement/pricing out of residents, often referred to as gentrification - have the potential to be avoided.

The model is - like the transformation of the neighbourhood - still a work in progress, but some of the ideas pioneered here are being looked at closely in other parts of the globe which are undergoing similar large-scale redevelopment.

One way or another, the Hackney Wick Model demonstrates a variety of innovative ways to address many of these reoccurring problems. It’s a story we continue to document with cautious optimism, alongside plenty of similarly visionary partners.

Read the full PDF of the article here

🎨 This Fri 15th Aug there’s the private view to launch the latest show at Felstead Art gallery at The Trampery Fish Island Village. Once, Lotus is a collection of paintings by Chinese-born artist Mingzhang Sun, that trace a decade of artistic evolution, shaped by introspection and cultural memory - a visual autobiography unfolding from a childhood in central China to establishing a new life amongst the facades of London. Runs to 4th Oct.

⚠️ Last chance alert to catch two big events hosting their final days at Here East in the next couple of weeks. Firstly it’s the weekend ritual, often including large queues every Sat and Sun morning at the Roll Boys residency at Saint Espresso, serving their famous fresh cinnamon rolls until Sun 31st Aug.

And its also the final chance to catch the acclaimed World Press Photo Exhibition, that will be closing off its run at the canalside MPB Gallery on 25th Aug.

🎾 The fabulous summertime sport pop-up of Bola Beach Tennis has just had it’s residency on the QEOP extended, meaning you can now play tennis on the sand through until the 30th Sept. It’s been particularly popular with social groups, corporate events and party bookings, so if you’re looking for a different way to entertain lots of your friends/colleagues in the weeks ahead, find out all the info here.

🦍 The self-proclaimed ‘exhibition like no other’ at The Copper Box is currently bringing virtual band Gorillaz back into our collective consciousness with the new immersive experience, House of Kong, for a limited time (until 3rd Sept). Damon Albarn and the rest of the performers behind-the-comic-book band are also playing some sold out live gigs in the venue at the end of the month, with resale tickets your only chance of being there, so stay sharp on those waitlists…

🌞 Plenty on at The Lord Napier, including 100 Free Pints of Hibiscus & Hazy Nectar beer being dished out tonight, Wed 13th Aug, from 6pm as the latest of their summer rooftop freebies. Then this Sat 16th Aug there’s an afternoon of summery vibes at the White Claw Garden Party with DJs, cans of the hard seltzer and some tasty giveaways all day long.

🎶 Expect lashings of disco, house and low-slung funk as the legendary selectors Crazy P take over Queen’s Yard institution Colour Factory for an all night session this Fri 15th Aug. 

🎧 Vinyl record emporium stalwarts Phonica Records bring their heaving shelves of 12s to No.90 this Sat 16th Aug with a night of sonic exploration through the outer realms house music.

🪴 It’s the second installment of homegrown plants-meets-ravers event Plants Can Dance (and Mushrooms can Sing) at the Hideout on Sun 17th Aug, as DJ Brian d'Souza (aka Auntie Flo) joins forces with Lamine Toure from Repot Plant Shop for a deep listening experience, workshops and more all afternoon, culminating in a plant dance.

💷 Hackney Council’s Voluntary & Community Sector Grants Programme has just launched this week, and is now accepting applications for 2025 and 2026. There is funding available for a variety of goals including projects that support local residents at risk of harm from deep rooted inequalities, help build infrastructure and support systems for Black and Global Majority-led orgs, test new ideas and projects and support physical activity in the borough.

🦺 The COLLABORATE: SAFER SPACES Commission offers four diverse-led teams support and up to £50k each in flexible funding to develop collaborative ideas around the theme of ‘Safer Spaces’, as part of the final round of Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund, supported by Westfield Stratford City and Foundation for Future London. The commission will provide time and space to develop, test and embed collaborative work, with wraparound co-designed support at each stage. Apply by 18th Aug.

🏢 Stour Trust is recruiting a freelance Engagement and Communications Lead to provide high quality, varied administrative support as part of their team. The contractor will have a passion for land justice, communications, project management and outreach. Apply by 30th Aug.

🗨️ LLDC is looking for a Digital Marketing Manager to lead the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s digital strategy and team across web, email and social platforms. Apply by 25th Aug.

This week’s video is by urban design-focused YouTuber ‘City Ed’, who is a big fan of the architectural plans we’re seeing unfold across Hackney Wick, and particularly Fish Island. It’s interesting to see an outsider’s view of the ongoing redevelopment here, and there’s plenty of lively controversy and clashing viewpoints in the comments, too, of course.

If you’ve got a video you’d like us to consider including in this new slot, do get in touch: [email protected]