Mixed-use, co-living scheme in Hackney receives planning 12.11.26

Proposals for a co-living-led, mixed-use development at the junction of Cranbrook Street and City Road, near Old Street roundabout in east London have received planning permission from Hackney Council.

Developed for HUB, the scheme, named Finsgate House, will replace three existing, degraded 1980s office buildings with a 35-storey tower providing 490 co-living units and a smaller five-storey office building creating approximately 43,000 square feet of affordable workspace, together with a community hub and enhanced public realm.

Generous amenity provision across the two buildings, including shared social spaces and communal terraces offering views across the city, brings residents together and provides access to valuable green space within a dense urban context. At ground level, the community hub serves residents, workers, and the local community alike, enlivening the streetscape, while new enhanced landscaping introduces wider pavements, new planting and trees, and improved lighting and seating.

Damien Sharkey, Managing Director of HUB, comments: "This decision is a major step forward for our ultra-urban co-living strategy, and reinforces our conviction that this type of housing can be transformational for central London.

“Finsgate House presents a significant opportunity to transform an underperforming and prominent site into something of value to new and existing communities. It will deliver 490 co-living homes and tangible public benefits, in an area of the capital where the current housing offer is limited and demand is extremely high.

“Throughout the design process we have worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure the scheme responds to the priorities of the neighbourhood, so we are proud to have our plans approved by Hackney Council. We look forward to working with our partners to bring this exciting new chapter for Finsgate House forward."

Susie Le Good, Executive Director at AHMM, says: “The mixed-use programme combines amenity-led co-living and workspace across two buildings. Visually striking through the application of a brickwork palette, the design references the local vernacular of City Road and the adjacent Cranwood Street and Brunswick Place, creating a project that is rooted in its location.”