N16Life_SUMMER2017

FEATURE
Globally recognised
brands like Burberry,
Anya Hindmarch,
Aquascutum and
Pringle of Scotland
already had an
established outlet
presence in Hackney Walk, but it was the
wider development of the area that really
caught the industry’s attention – and that
of tourists.
£6 million was raised in regeneration
fund started after the riots swept this
part of London in 2011. Hackney Walk has
been transformed into the capital’s first
luxury outlet zone, having opened at the
end of 2016 on Morning Lane opposite the
old Burberry factory.
Twelve formerly unused railways arches
unite them, converted into beautiful retail
spaces by renowned British architect
David Adjaye. It is rapidly becoming a
major attraction for London.
The Hackney Walk project emerged
in 2011 after that summer’s riots, when
Hackney Council received a £2 million
post-riot regeneration injection of funds
and spent it on transforming East London
into a fashion centre once again. A
further £4 million was spent by Network
Rail on restoring the arches.
This area was a centre for clothesmaking
and the textiles industry until the
1990s. Hackney Walk is now riving that
spirit in 2017, a tradition that stretches
back to the 19th Century when 15,000
people were employed in factories and
workshops across Hackney.
Efforts continue to transform Hackney
A tradition that
stretches back to
the 19th century
when 15,000 people
worked here
Walk into a venue with offices and shops
on a par with Bicester Village – and more
conveniently located for London.
The brands on offer
Hackney Walk's arches are occupied
by an array of recently opened luxury
outlets including: two outlet stores from
MatchesFashion.com for womenswear
and menswear; Gieves & Hawkes; Joseph;
UGG; multi-brand concept store Present;
luxury cashmere brand Colombo; Zadig &
Voltaire: Folli Follie and Nicole Farhi. All
retailers offer up to 70% off regular retail
prices.
But that’s not all. The Stitch Academy
offers free-of-charge workshops and
masterclasses, while the Hackney
Shop organises weekend events with
some of the leading names in the
fashion business. There is also pop-up
retail space available for independent
designers.
Recent pop-up outlets have included
House of Sunny, Henry Holland, Mary
Benson, Holly Fulton and Piers Atkinson.
Good wine, good food
A gastronomical treat awaits you at
Hackney Walk, where Legs restaurant will
provide you with a contemporary lunch
with fine wines. The evening menu is
particularly worth perusing.
In short, Hackney Walk is more than
a retail destination but a central point
of fashion, arts, food and culture. It
combines the world of luxury with
iconic design.
www.hackneywalk.com
Opening Times
Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 6.00 pm
Sunday 11.00 - 5.00 pm
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