The Metropolis

Reviewed: The revamped Hoxton Square

Mike Pollitt | Thursday 7 July, 2011 10:56

Work on Hoxton Square 2.0 has been completed. Here are my observations, based on a brief visit last night.

1. The flowers and shrubs are to die for. I have no idea what most of them are, but the planting is excellent, there’s a nice variety of green in the foliage, the occasional splash of colour in the petals, and it all looks really nice. Hopefully this will last.

2. It is too soon to judge the long term impact on the square’s clientele. However, preliminary investigation revealed that at 7.30pm last night there were 7 groups lolling on the grass, 3 smaller groups sitting on the benches, and 1 man lounging on a wall. Estimated total population: 30-35.

3. Of these, 3 males were wearing caps, and 3 were wearing sunglasses (it was cloudy). Approximately 7 males had beards. At least 2 females were wearing denim shorts, and indeed denim proliferated widely among all groups. The majority of people were drinking from cans. Red Stripe appeared the favourite.

4. The shiny new litter and recycling bins appeared to be well used. Litter was sparse across the square. However it must be noted that the man lounging on the wall spat violently on the floor a couple of times during my observations. He appeared unrepentant.

5. It was cheering to see that staple of East End life, the redundant flyer, making an appearance. The fact that “doggy day care” is advertised in Hoxton Square was, for me, a comforting sign that although the landscape may have been refreshed, the ethos of the place remains intact.

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