This is a proposal for a highly constrained urban site at the heart of the vibrant Ridley Road Market in Dalston.

The existing two-and-a-half-storey house is dilapidated, vacant and visibly detrimental to this important market frontage. Immediately to the west lie active commercial premises with flats above, while to the north and east residential gardens back directly onto the site. Vehicular access remains under the control of the market’s operational team, and the adjoining Covered Market-owned land hosts temporary stalls in poor repair, with no confirmed future strategy despite extensive dialogue with both the landowner and the London Borough of Hackney.

Working within these tight physical and policy constraints, the practice has developed a mixed-use scheme that delivers significant public benefit whilst respecting the character of the area. The proposal provides one generous A1 retail unit at ground and lower-ground levels fronting the market, together with nine high-quality C3 residential units (seven 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom) arranged over lower-ground to fourth-floor levels. A discreet, secure residential entrance, refuse and cycle provision (10 spaces) are conveniently located at street level.

Rather than a generic commercial block, the architectural language deliberately reflects the raw, industrial edge that defines Ridley Road. The palette includes robust engineering brick to the flank walls, perforated corten steel privacy screens and bi-fold gates, dark-framed double glazing and exposed concrete soffits. All homes benefit from private balconies, with generous roof terraces serving the top-floor units and a shared rear garden incorporating a sunken terrace and garden room.

The building achieves full dual-aspect through a central lightwell, maximises passive daylight with floor-to-ceiling glazing and employs high thermal mass, natural ventilation and shaded south-facing façades. The scheme is designed to meet BREEAM Excellent and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, with green roofs and potential on-site renewables.

Full step-free access, a passenger lift and level thresholds ensure inclusivity, while a new shared residential access agreement with the neighbouring owner resolves long-standing servicing issues.

This project exemplifies Ellis-Miller’s expertise in unlocking the potential of the most challenging urban sites, delivering exemplary mixed-use regeneration that enhances both market vitality and residential amenity in one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.

Clients: Adam and Shad Shiek