Syirr Saripin Master of Urban Design

At Risk and Overlooked: Cultural Displacement and the Protection Gap in Hackney Wick and Fish Island

Hackney Wick and Fish Island are home to some of the world’s leading creative practitioners, concentrated within canal-side studios, repurposed industrial warehouses, residential developments and evolving multi-use estates. However, these creative communities face persistent risks of displacement. This research examines the factors contributing to the vulnerability of community cultural spaces and investigates why those most at risk often possess the fewest means of protection. 

Utilising primary fieldwork, including six interviews with artists, makers, space operators, community activists and planning officers, this thesis includes spatial analysis and planning documentation which maps the vulnerability conditions confronting informal creative communities in Hackney Wick and Fish Island before the displacement cycle is completed. 

The findings reveal a persistent protection gap: although planning tools exist, they do not address the needs of informal or marginalised communities. This research proposes a draft guidance framework to clarify and improve the accessibility of these tools for those most in need. Protecting these spaces is essential for both cultural value and social justice.