1. Child-Friendly Principles

Hackney’s eight Child-Friendly Principles set out a vision for a built environment that supports the happiness, health, wellbeing and prosperity of all children and young people in Hackney. 

Together, the Principles describe the aspirational vision for Hackney's built environment that accommodates people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The Principles are Hackney specific. They are a direct outcome of a series of engagement workshops, held with members of the Hackney Youth Parliament and delivered by ZCD architects in Autumn 2019.

The Principles were further developed following the recommendations and actions identified within Hackney’s Young Futures Commission’s youth-led report (2020).

1. Shaping my borough: to ensure children and young people in Hackney have the power to influence change in their borough

2. Doorstep play: to provide the opportunity for play and social interactions immediately outside the front door 

3. Play on the way: to provide opportunities for informal play, things to do and see around the neighbourhood beyond designated parks and playgrounds. 

4. People before cars: to ensure that children, young people and their carers can move through Hackney safely by walking, cycling or public transport.  

5. Contact with nature: to build in opportunities for everyday access to and connections with nature

6. Places for all: to design socially inclusive and culturally sensitive places that are accessible and safe for all children and young people to enjoy together

7. Making spaces children and young people want to be in: to ensure open spaces are designed to be vibrant, active and safe environments where children and young people want to spend time 

8. Health & wellbeing: to ensure design of outdoor environments contribute towards healthier foodscapes, reduced exposure to pollution and improved physical and mental wellbeing

Please find further information on each Principle and share with us your thoughts and questions you have below