TELFORD HOMES REVISITS HACKNEY WICK’S INDUSTRIAL PAST

Jul 12 2022

Telford Homes hosted a tour for Robert Stone, grandson of Solomon Spegelstein, who established the original pre-industrial factory back in 1923 where Stone Studios now stands.
Today, Hackney Wick is home to a thriving creative community, fast becoming one of the Capital’s most important work and cultural hubs.
Telford Homes’ Stone Studios development, now 99% sold, offers future buyers a unique opportunity to reside in the heart of this lively neighbourhood.

Historically an industrial hub, Hackney Wick was known for its extensive production lines during the Second World War. Trace back to 1923 and Spegelstein & Sons factory, a family-run architectural metalwork factory that temporarily produced ammunition during the war, stood tall where Telford Homes’ modern Stone Studios development can be found in Hackney Wick today.

Travel forwards to the present day and the site has undergone an exciting transformation. Celebrating its rich history as well as a vibrant future, Telford Homes’ Stone Studios offers residents a unique mix of modern lifestyle amenities, within an urban, industrial design. Eager to find out more about its latest evolution, Robert Stone, grandson of Solomon Spegelstein who established the original factory, met with Telford Homes for a tour of the site.

As Stephen Pedro, Stone Studios Project Manager, guided the group through the intricate design of the development, he emphasised the importance of retaining characteristics from the original building. Block C of the development is part of the retained building, and the existing two storey brickwork facade has been repaired and retained to maintain the industrial feel.

Nodding to the fenestration pattern consistent and harmonious with the established character of Hackney Wick’s industrialised era, the development also hosts impressive brick facades, saw-toothed roofs and stunning metal balconies.

Also accompanying the group, Simon Halfhide, Group Sales Director at Telford Homes, discussed the developer’s wider impact on the community. Telford Homes helped to maintain and nurture the area’s unique creative spirit, leasing out 33,000 sq.m of affordable workspace at Stone Studios to the Creative Land Trust – just as the original factory would convert unused space for local artists to rent out affordable creative space. This was part of the developer’s CSR plan, to engage the local creative community in partnership and was carried out in partnership with local community charity “Creative Wick”.

Robert Stone, Grandson of Solomon Spegelstein, comments: “Next year will have been our family business’s 100th year anniversary at Wallis Road, and we are extremely proud of the efforts that Telford Homes has gone to ensure that Stone Studios continues our legacy here. When we were here in the late 1990s, Hackney Wick was taking its first steps towards the creative hub that it is today – and it is great to see in person the tremendous work that is taking place to keep this unique spirit alive. I know that my granddad would be over the moon with how the area appears today!”

Stone Studios features a host of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Buyers have quick and easy access to the vibrant Broadway Market in nearby London Fields, as well as the shopping and entertainment options on offer at Westfield Stratford shopping centre. Enjoying great transport links into central London, with direct public access to Hackney Wick Overground station (zone 2), the development also offers a 12-hour concierge, a beautifully landscaped courtyard and secure, purpose-built bicycle storage. Nestled between the beautiful Victoria Park and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and conveniently located within close proximity to East London’s canal network and the River Lea, Stone Studios also offers an abundance of stunning green space within a stone’s throw from the development.

Stephen Pedro, Stone Studios Project Manager, Telford Homes: “We have made considerable effort throughout the development to engage with the local community, providing regular opportunities for feedback and questions. It has been a pleasure to demonstrate to Robert the positive impact that this close liaison has had on the final result, which includes attributes such as the peaceful central courtyard providing residents with a place to escape from the bustling city. Our ongoing commitment to the community goes beyond the construction phase, with my team providing a whole array of in-person events that run throughout the year.”

Simon Halfhide, Group Sales Director at Telford Homes, says: “Hackney Wick offers something for everyone to enjoy, day or night – from bustling bars and global eateries to vintage markets, live music and world class parks. It has been a delight to show Robert all that it has to offer and how we have considered the community’s spirit in our development work here. Stone Studios, as an employment-led mixed-use development, provides significant employment opportunities for the local community. Comprising a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments, plus characterful duplexes – each with a private balcony offering much-coveted outdoor space – the striking development is ideal for families and young professionals alike. “