We have updated our proposals for Holywell Yard
Welcome to our website for the proposals to develop 64, 66, 68-76 Clifton Street and 4-8 Holywell Row.
Aerial view of the surrounding area (red line indicates proposed development site)
As you may be aware, in March 2024, Sola 9 Ltd submitted a planning application for a commercial-led development at 64 Clifton Street, 66 Clifton Street, 68-76 Clifton Street, and 4-8 Holywell Row, Shoreditch, EC2A 4HB, which we are referring to as Holywell Yard.
In July 2024, the application was refused under delegated powers by Hackney Council officers on grounds of height and impact on amenity. We are now returning with amended proposals that build on the benefits of the previous scheme, whilst seeking to address the reasons for refusal. This will require a new planning application which we will be submitting to Hackney Council in Autumn 2026.
We believe our proposals will deliver genuine benefits for the local area including:
A market-leading sustainable building which uses energy-efficient materials and equipment
Best-in-class office space, including affordable workspace, for local start-ups and businesses of all sizes
Retaining the buildings of historic interest at 64 and 66 Clifton Street
Creating jobs and bringing new businesses to this part of Shoreditch
Improved public realm integrated into Worship Square
A new restaurant that will contribute to enlivening and attracting footfall to the area
Substantial urban greening on the site, with enhanced biodiversity locally
CGI view of the proposals facing North from Clifton Street
CGI view of the proposals facing South from Clifton Street
The need for change
The site currently comprises four buildings – 64, 66, 68-76 Clifton Street and 4-8 Holywell Row. Despite the site’s potential to reinvigorate Clifton Street and provide modern, sustainable workspaces as well as local leisure uses, it is currently in very poor condition and is not fit for purpose.
Issues with the current buildings include:
- Low levels of light and daylight due to small windows and low ceiling heights
- Narrow corridors and stairways – with no accessibility for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues
- Poor sustainability and energy performance, with sub-par heat retention, dated windows and equipment at the end of its usable life
- Lack of basic amenities, such as cycle parking and outdoor and communal areas
What’s changing as part of this application?
In October 2023, we held a public exhibition, where we presented our previous proposals and met and spoke with community representatives to hear your thoughts on our proposals and take your feedback on board.
With this new application, we have kept the core benefits of the previous scheme while making changes that respond both to your feedback and to the reasons Hackney Council refused the earlier application.
You said
We did
You said that excess height was undesirable, and could lead to a loss of light locally.
We have further reduced the height of the building by an additional storey, and set back the plant screens and upper floors, to further reduce its massing, visual prominence and impact on amenity.
You said that the rooftop terrace and garden could cause privacy concerns for neighbours.
We removed the loggia and simplified the crown of the building to a single-storey reading, with the mansard reduced to parapet level and the terrace further set back to reduce potential overlooking and massing at roof level.
You were concerned about the potential increase in anti-social behaviour.
We further activated the Holywell Row restaurant frontage, making it more welcoming and expressive, and improving sight lines and natural surveillance to help deter anti-social behaviour.
You questioned if the brickwork would suit the local area.
We simplified the Clifton Street buildings’ façade, with amended brickwork to be more evocative and complementary of the local area. We also increased the setback along Holywell Row to better respond to the finer grain of the surrounding streetscape.
You were worried about possible construction disruption and damage.
We will register the site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and implement various measures to reduce disturbance.
You said
You said that excess height was undesirable, and could lead to a loss of light locally.
We did
We have further reduced the height of the building by an additional storey, and set back the plant screens and upper floors, to further reduce its massing, visual prominence and impact on amenity.
You said
You said that the rooftop terrace and garden could cause privacy concerns for neighbours.
We did
We removed the loggia and simplified the crown of the building to a single-storey reading, with the mansard reduced to parapet level and the terrace further set back to reduce potential overlooking and massing at roof level.
You said
You were concerned about the potential increase in anti-social behaviour.
We did
We further activated the Holywell Row restaurant frontage, making it more welcoming and expressive, and improving sight lines and natural surveillance to help deter anti-social behaviour.
You said
You questioned if the brickwork would suit the local area.
We did
We simplified the Clifton Street buildings’ façade, with amended brickwork to be more evocative and complementary of the local area. We also increased the setback along Holywell Row to better respond to the finer grain of the surrounding streetscape.
You said
You were worried about possible construction disruption and damage.
We did
We will register the site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and implement various measures to reduce disturbance.
Indicative timescales
Autumn 2026
Submission of planning application
March 2027
Expected planning committee
Q4 2027
Works start on site
Q2 2029
Completion on site
We want to hear your views
We want to hear what you think of our updated proposals. Please complete a virtual survey by clicking the link below. The deadline for feedback is Monday 5 October 2026.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact Lowick Hedry, who have been appointed to manage our community consultation on the following:
- info@holywellyard.co.uk
- 0800 061 4770 (Monday – Friday, 9am-6pm)