Sign of the times? Unite building demolished to make way for Prestige flats

Going, going, gone: the Unite building. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

It is perhaps a sign of the times. But the enviable location of Unite’s Green Lanes offices – beside a tranquil reservoir in Stoke Newington and within easy reach of the Tube – means it may come as little surprise to many that developers are poised to construct (guess what) luxury flats here.

The classic 1930s building was latterly festooned with gigantic posters of smiling trade unionists, and Labour Party election posters could still be seen in the ruins of the building as it was felled by construction workers this month.

The site is now semi-rubble, and a smart developer’s poster on hoardings states: “Coming Soon: Aqua. A stunning waterside development of one, two and three bedroom apartments.”

The new homes are being built by developer Fairview, who said in a statement last year they had commenced discussions for a 100-apartment residential complex “that will enhance the area”. They added: “The development is expected to generate a Gross Development Value in excess of £25million.”

A spokesperson for Unite did not reply to a request for comment.