Getting Hackney Moving

03 Jan 2006

Hackney Gazette

For me the highlight of 2005 was London securing the 2012 Olympic Games. This was fantastic news for Londoners but especially for us here in Hackney. We are in the heart of the Olympic project and we now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform our poorest areas. The Games will drive economic regeneration by brining in new jobs, new homes and most importantly better public transport.

Lack of public transport can paralyse an area. It can make it stagnant. People can’t get in or out. Hackney is still the only inner London borough without a tube or major rail link to central London. The Olympic Games have highlighted the need for putting in place an adequate transport infrastructure. I believe this is a unique opportunity to get Hackney moving. In order to maximise our gains from the Games we must keep the emphasis on transport. A modern and effective transport system will be the greatest legacy the Olympics could leave Hackney.

Hosting the Games will inevitably draw investment to East London and to drive forward economic development in our vicinity. They key is public transport. I have campaigned for years to bring the tube to Hackney because I believe it to be crucial for improving the Borough. Now we’re getting it. Transport for London has committed to huge investment in the CTRL and Crossrail and the tube, the East London Line, will finally reach us by 2009 through Shoreditch, Hoxton, Haggerston and Dalston. The Northern Line too is to be upgraded to an eight train per hour service.

I have made clear to the Mayor of London that better transport links in and out of Hackney are essential for the Olympic project to run smoothly. The improved transport links will have obvious benefits for Hackney. The area will be much more attractive to investors when it is easy to get themselves and their customers in and out of Hackney. Our house prices will rise as commutes get shorter and our local facilities will improve our social landscape. I will want to make sure that Hackney makes the most of the Olympics and will do my part to ensure that the government delivers on these promises.

Of course there will be downsides as well. Much concern has been voiced about the destiny of the Hackney Marshes. And local residents, such as those frequenting Tony's Italian diner on Broadway Market, have expressed dismay at the Olympic project. They fear that our distinctiveness and locality is threatened. I, of course, share these concerns and agree that hosting the Games could change Hackney forever. However, on balance I am certain that it will be for the better.  I understand that local businesses feel threatened by outside agencies, however, Ken Livingstone has agreed that small business, and in particular Black Minority Ethnic businesses, will be central to delivering all services related to the Games. A large chunk of these will be Hackney businesses. Together we must ensure that Hackney reaps the maximum benefit from the Olympics. It is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for us to lift our area out of poverty and into central London. My new year’s resolution will be to get Hackney moving in 2006!

 

 

 

 



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