Council gives go-ahead to Hackney Empire development plan

The Hackney Empire is to sell its building at 117 Wilton Way

Hackney Council’s planning sub committee last night (Wed 10 March 2010) granted planning permission to the Hackney Empire for proposals to develop 117 Wilton Way E8 1BH.

The Hackney Empire currently owns the building and will now sell it to the developers. It had been relying on this income to help with its financial difficulties.

A Hackney Council spokesperson said, “The Hackney Empire is a much loved icon at the heart of our borough’s cultural life and the Council is pleased that the planning sub committee’s decision will go some way in helping it to resolve its financial difficulties.

“Hackney Council continues to support the Empire and in addition to our regular funding, we are offering extra assistance alongside the Arts Council.

“We look forward to the Empire recovering from its difficulties and returning to a full programme as soon as practicably possible.”