Hackney residents to see empty buildings reclaimed in new property audit

Marcus Thorne Author 2026-05-22 06:05 3 min read

A white stone building in London with its windows boarded up with plywood panels.

Contents

Transparency initiative for borough land ownership
Reclaiming vacant properties for public use
Review of council-owned community assets
Useful details
Legal mechanisms for community acquisition

Hackney Mayor Zoë Garbett has launched a borough-wide investigation into land ownership and the use of public assets. The initiative, titled “Who Owns Hackney?”, seeks to identify empty spaces and explore ways to return them to community use. This investigation follows a commitment to improve transparency regarding property control within the borough.

Transparency initiative for borough land ownership

The “Who Owns Hackney?” investigation serves as the primary mechanism for the newly-elected Mayor to fulfill pledges regarding urban space reclamation. Mayor Garbett has directed Hackney Council teams to perform a comprehensive audit of land usage. This data will be used to create options for residents to have a greater influence on how local spaces are managed and utilized.

For many residents, the rapid transformation of neighborhoods over the last twenty years has raised questions regarding the control of local assets. The investigation aims to clarify who owns specific plots of land and whether those assets are being used in the best interests of the public. By revealing the ownership structures of various properties, the council intends to set out clear options for repurposing spaces for the public good.

Reclaiming vacant properties for public use

A central component of the investigation involves a full assessment of empty spaces across the borough. The council is exploring the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to bring neglected or abandoned properties back into active use. CPOs are legal tools that allow local authorities to acquire land or property without the owner’s consent, provided there is a compelling case in the public interest.

Hackney residents to see empty buildings reclaimed in new property audit

In addition to CPOs, the investigation will look into community right to buy powers. These powers are designed to give local groups and voluntary organisations the first opportunity to purchase land or buildings that are deemed to be of community value. This approach is intended to prevent the loss of vital local hubs to private development and ensure that the needs of Hackney residents are prioritized.

Review of council-owned community assets

The investigation extends beyond private land to include a review of the council’s own buildings. This includes community halls and other council-owned spaces that may be underutilized. The objective is to increase access for voluntary organisations and community groups, providing them with the physical infrastructure needed to operate within the borough.

Mayor Garbett stated that while the council cannot control every property in the borough, the investigation will help use every available power to reclaim spaces for community benefit. The goal is to ensure that the borough’s infrastructure meets the needs of its residents first, rather than focusing solely on commercial or private interests.

Useful details

Audit Scope: A full mapping of public and private land ownership across the entire borough.
Policy Tools: Evaluation of compulsory purchase orders and community right to buy mechanisms.
Community Access: Focus on opening council-owned halls to voluntary and local groups.
Public Engagement: Residents can track progress via the Mayor’s official social media channels or the council’s news subscription service.

Legal mechanisms for community acquisition

The implementation of these changes relies on existing legislation and the council’s ability to prove the public benefit of any land reclamation. The audit will provide the evidentiary basis required to trigger legal processes like CPOs. By documenting exactly which buildings are sitting empty and who is responsible for them, the council can move from observation to active intervention.

This systematic approach to land ownership is expected to provide a blueprint for how local authorities can manage urban density and property speculation. The findings of the investigation will likely inform future planning policies and community development strategies in Hackney for the coming years. Residents interested in the specific outcomes of the land audit are encouraged to follow official council communications as the investigation proceeds through its initial phases.

Source: Hackney Council

Source check Official Council Source

This report is based on official policy announcements from the Hackney Council press office regarding the launch of the 'Who Owns Hackney?' investigation.

Checks