The workshop at 35 Wadeson Street is more than just a building; it's a living testament to Hackney's vibrant and rich history of craftsmanship. 

Sign this petition, alongside fellow makers, to object to the proposed change of use for the workshop on 35 Wadeson Street, which will mean the closing down of the workshop. This building has housed woodworkers for over 200 years and stands as one of the few remaining links to the area’s rich craft and light-industrial heritage. Wadeson Street, like much of East London, has long been shaped by makers, tradespeople, and small workshops — communities that have contributed significantly to the character and cultural fabric of the neighbourhood. It is not only a site of historic value but a living, breathing centre for craftsmanship, collaboration, and community.

Today, the workshop continues this legacy. It remains an active, collaborative space where skills are shared, small creative businesses are nurtured, and local craft traditions are kept alive. Such spaces are increasingly rare, especially in East London, where many long-standing workshops have already been lost to redevelopment. Converting this building into a private residence would permanently erase a historic and culturally valuable resource that cannot be reproduced elsewhere.

Beyond its historic significance, the workshop provides real social and economic value: an accessible place for learning, making, and supporting creative livelihoods. Its loss would affect not only current users but the wider community that benefits from having an open, communal craft space at its heart. We respectfully urge the council to recognise the importance of this site and to protect its existing use so that its history, purpose, and community role can be preserved for future generations.