Community

Life on The Benyon Estate

It’s become a bit Hackneyed (an appropriate pun) to describe an area of London as a “village” but, time and time again, our tenants say that’s precisely what this is. Thanks to the town-planning, or the financial constraints, of the Benyon family back in the 19th century, the density of the housing on our streets – especially when compared with neighbouring Islington – is very low. That space, the greenery afforded by the front gardens – especially during the spring when the blossom trees bloom – added to the lack of Tube station means that the area is quieter, greener and altogether more off-radar, than other areas of Zone 2.

Some of our tenants have been with us all their lives; some have met and married and started families here; others are here just for a few years. However long they remain, we want all our tenants to feel completely at home here. We welcome everyone including families with young children, who have dogs or other pets, professionals with busy lives and older people who appreciate the friendly community and easily-accessible shops and amenities.

Stories

Our community is full of interesting businesses and talented people. Read some of their stories here.

Business Listing

There are a variety of different businesses based on The Benyon Estate. From independently owned restaurants, delicatessens and florists to artists, stonemasons and marketing agencies, the community is a creative, flourishing one.

Involvement

Our long history with De Beauvoir Town, which goes back several hundred years, means that supporting the local community is fundamentally important to The Benyon Estate. We aren’t just passing through, we are here for the long term and that commitment comes with the responsibility to make sure that we are doing what we can to sustain and support our characterful local community.

Get involved in the De Beauvoir community

Testament to the pro-active nature of residents living on The Benyon Estate and across De Beauvoir Town are the number of events taking place each year where the community gets together. This is something that we feel sets living and working here apart from other areas of London which can somehow come across as anonymous.

Since the opening of De Beauvoir Block, in August 2017, we now have the ideal space to host events for our community, including Christmas tea parties for tenants who have been with us for 25 years or more. There’s talk of using this space for further gatherings – keep looking out for further updates.

Community events on The Benyon Estate

Every year, we sponsor the delightful Party in the Park. Organised by the De Beauvoir Association, and open to all, the event resembles a traditional village fete and takes place in early July on De Beauvoir Square. With a particular emphasis on bringing the children of the area together, there is often activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, magician, craft activities, games as well as tombolas, music, barbecues and so on.

Other local events include the Christmas Fair, hosted the crypt of St Peter De Beauvoir church, which was started by Jennifer Benyon but now is managed by the De Beauvoir Association. They organise a number of other things throughout the year including balloon debates, talks and concerts, and a flower produce and dog show. Furthermore, the De Beauvoir WI meet on the first Thursday of the month.

Jacqueline Campbell – resident, Benyon Estate
Living in De Beauvoir Town has felt like living in a village. Clearly that's really important to The Benyon Estate and they think carefully about ways to sustain and build the community spirit.

Community regeneration

The Benyon Estate is proud to be supporting the excellent educational opportunities now available in Hackney. We are currently in a joint partnership with the Education Funding Agency to build a new school building for Hackney New Primary School, a two-form entry (50 students in each year group) school which feeds into Hackney New School. The students, who are currently based in temporary classrooms, will be moving into their new school in September 2018.

To keep up to date with further developments, click here.

Transport

Cycling is one of the favourite modes of transport within De Beauvoir Town. There is direct access along London’s Cycle Superhighway Route 1 (CS1) to Liverpool Street. Many of the streets are closed to vehicular traffic and we have the one-stop shop Micycle on Southgate Road to cater to all cyclists’ needs.

Train: There are three train stations within an easy distance: Haggerston Overground (direct to Canada Water in 15 minutes or, via Highbury & Islington to Oxford Circus, 26 minutes); Dalston Junction Overground (direct to Canada Water in 18 minutes, or via Highbury & Islington to Oxford Circus, 25 mins) & Essex Road Station (direct to Moorgate, 7 minutes).

Bus: The 73 bus goes from Southgate Road to Oxford Circus via King’s Cross & Euston stations.

Meanwhile, there are potential plans to open a Crossrail 2 station at Dalston Junction.

Schools

Primary schools

Our Lady & St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Buckingham Road, was rated Outstanding by Ofsted during its last inspection (2012)

De Beauvoir Primary School, Tottenham Road, was rated Good by Ofsted during its last inspection (2013)

Hackney New Primary School was opened in 2015 in temporary accommodation. We are working with a partner to provide new premises for the school which should transfer in September 2018

Rosemary Works School, an independent prep school, catering from three to 11 years old

Holy Trinity Church of England School, Beechwood Road, is another Ofsted-rated Outstanding school (2013)

Secondary schools

Hackney New School, on Kingsland Road, was rated Good by Ofsted in 2015. It has a particular focus on music.

GP surgeries

De Beauvoir Surgery, 30 Hertford Road (020 7923 3684; www.debeauvoirsurgery.nhs.uk)

Southgate Road Medical Centre, 101-103 Southgate Road (020 7704 2233; www.southgateandwhistonpractice.nhs.uk)