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NTS' London Studio Under Threat
Christian Eede , July 5th, 2017 13:18

Potential development plans for Gillett Street Car Park could put the future of the London community station, and surrounding businesses, in doubt

UPDATE: Hackney Council has confirmed that it's turned down an offer to sell the site to a developer. "A developer approached us and offered to buy the Gillett Square car park site, but we are not going to sell it," councillor Guy Nicholson, cabinet member for planning, business and investment, told Resident Advisor.

Gillett Square, situated just off Dalston's bustling Kingsland Road, is home to the NTS radio studio, as well as a number of businesses including experimental music venue The Vortex, while also providing a community hub for locals and creatives in the area.

Its future could be in doubt though with NTS saying that Hackney Council is considering placing Gillett Street Car Park onto the open market, possibly placing the area's future into the hands of property developers who've already got their hands on various parts of the surrounding area.

A petition has been launched appealing to Hackney Council to protect the area's cultural value and ensure its future as a community hub. "This would be a huge loss to the area in terms of attracting 100s of artists to the square every week and all the work opportunities we provide for local young people," the online radio station told FACT.

They continue: "[The sale] would be a massive shame considering this square is one of the few public spaces in London that has regular events like this and a sense of communal freedom that is rare anywhere else in London."

The petition is addressed to Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, and it asks for the site to be listed as an Asset of Community Value. You can find out more and offer your support here.