Anger at Hackney Empire plans

12th March 2010

Plans to sell a building used and owned by the Hackney Empire in order to pay back its spiralling deficit were greeted with anger by local residents at a stormy public meeting at the theatre on the 11 March 2010.

Many of its supporters said they were ‘shocked’ by the announcement that the building at 117 Wilton Way will be sold off in a multi-million pound deal with developers the Thornsett Group to build affordable housing. Speakers heckled the panel of theatre and Arts Council officials.

Last night’s meeting was postponed from one scheduled last month because of protests surrounding the proposed development. The plans were finally given the go ahead by Hackney planning committee on Wednesday night.

Full article and source:East London Lines