Working in partnership with Hackney Council, Marlborough Highways has announced that it has completed a major £1.2m public realm improvements scheme at Ridley Road Market in East London. On Friday 17 March 2023, works were officially unveiled at a ribbon cutting and walkabout event, which was hosted by Marlborough and the Council, and was led by the Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville.
Ridley Road is situated in the heart of Dalston in the London Borough of Hackney and is home to a historic market, which has been in existence since the late Nineteenth Century. Today, Ridley Road Market is one of the most vibrant in the Capital and plays host to approximately 150 stalls offering a diverse range of quality goods and a unique combination of international flavours. Hackney Council had identified the space as one which needed revitalisation, commissioning Marlborough Highways to deliver an ambitious renovation project, which began in February 2022.
The year-long scheme included surfacing works with the use of high-end granite paving, and improvements to the market’s drainage system, as well as the installation of new ground sockets for stalls, and new signage. The rejuvenated Ridley Road Market now offers a more pleasant and welcoming environment for both traders and visitors, creating an inviting and bustling hub for the diverse mix of cultures that call Dalston home.
The scheme was managed in phases, including early morning and night works, to avoid disruption to the public and to local businesses, with normal market trading hours remaining in place throughout. Delivered by a dedicated Project Manager and two Supervisors, who were supported by approximately one dozen highly skilled operatives, Marlborough and the Council liaised with stallholders throughout, as well as with local shop owners and hospitality providers.
Despite the wet weather, spirits remained high during the 17 March event, with a fantastic atmosphere at the much-loved marketplace. Marlborough’s team hosted a stand throughout the day, where they gave away branded souvenirs and were on hand to answer questions about the scheme and the company’s wider programme of works across the London Borough of Hackney.
Councillor Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council, was at the unveiling event and praised the works. He said, “The scheme is great, it’s exactly what Ridley Road needed, the space now feels safe and welcoming, and the traders are doing good business, so you couldn’t ask for more! The work Marlborough has done is brilliant, schedules ran to time and any problems were quickly resolved; it’s a perfect working relationship.”
