Long-time residents of Hackney have voiced their frustrations over the gentrification of east London, with many feeling sidelined as the area transforms into a hub for hipsters and creative professionals. The voices of working-class locals are often absent from the endless articles celebrating new gastropubs and gelaterias, but a project by Rosie Spinks aims to redress the balance.
Interviews with service users of North London Action for the Homeless reveal deep-seated concerns about rising housing costs, the decline of blue-collar jobs, and the replacement of affordable shops with trendier alternatives. One local described the attitude of newcomers as 'old-fashioned' and said they 'take themselves too seriously,' adding that 'class distinction needs to be changed.'
Another resident, who has lived in Hackney for 20 years, lamented the transformation of Broadway Market from a 'proper working class street' to an area with artisan bakers and expensive fruit and veg shops. 'Most working class people on a budget wouldn’t be able to shop for food on Church Street,' they said, referring to Stoke Newington Church Street, which has become a model for the borough's regeneration.
Despite the criticism, some see potential benefits. One local noted that the multicultural aspect of east London has always been strong, and that professionals moving in could 'improve the social structure' and inspire others to aspire to professional careers. However, the overarching sentiment is one of exclusion, with locals feeling that the area they know is being erased by a wave of gentrification that prioritises image over community.
