Hackney Wick: A Living Outdoor Classroom for Students

As someone who’s been running tours in Hackney Wick since the London 2012 Olympics, I’ve seen how this incredible part of East London brings classroom theories to life. If you’re a university professor teaching geography, architecture and built-environment or tourism and placemaking, Hackney Wick is a goldmine for exploring the – at times controversial – real-world examples of regeneration, gentrification, and cultural transformation.

Why Bring Students to Hackney Wick?

This area is a dynamic case study. It’s a place where you can see urban regeneration unfolding against the backdrop of a rich industrial history and the bigger debates about where we’re going as a (mega) city in the face of climate change. The 2012 Olympics left a massive mark here, with debates around who benefited and who didn’t. It’s also a hotspot for creative industries, but rising property prices mean there’s a constant tension between old and new communities. I’ve observed this in other cities (Berlin, San Francisco, Barcelona etc) and it’s a global conversation.

This is more than just a neighbourhood—it’s a lens through which students can critically engage with concepts like urban planning, community identity, and sustainable tourism.

What Students Can Expect

I think of Hackney Wick as a living outdoor classroom. On a walk, your students can:

• Examine how industrial buildings have been turned into creative hubs.
• Discuss the effects of gentrification on local communities.
• Explore street art that tells stories about the area’s past and present (or is a barometer of changing land use and priorities?)

It’s not just about listening — I encourage students to observe, ask questions, and form their own opinions. I love it when they bring their own observations to bear and international students are great because they can contrast other continents whilst identifying similar stories.

Past Groups and Future Plans

I’ve worked with people like the British Council as well as Masters students from Westminster University, Loughborough, Goldsmiths, Alexander Humboldt and more, tailoring walks to their studies in regeneration and urban development. I’d love to connect with more universities, offering bespoke tours that dive deep into topics you’re teaching.

Why Choose My Tours?

• Local Knowledge: I know Hackney Wick inside-out and can connect academic theories to what’s happening on the ground. Thanks to volunteering I have experienced not just the ‘brochure’, but the real life of the existing community that predated the artists of the 2000s. I collaborate closely with studio providers and cultural hub of Hackney Wick veterans Grow, Hackney.
• Interactive Approach: These aren’t dry tours. They’re designed to get students thinking critically and engaging with their surroundings.
• Customisable: Got specific topics to cover? I’ll adapt the walk to suit your needs. Want a workshop or need a site-visit? Let me know.

Let’s Plan Your Visit

Hackney Wick is the perfect setting for a student field trip. If you’re interested, drop me an email at hackneytours@gmail.com or contact@hackneytours.com, and I’ll help create an unforgettable experience for your students.

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