Columbia Road passes through the area between Bethnal Green, Hoxton and Shoreditch, taking distinct characteristics from each localle. To the south the postcode sector borders Shoreditch, with its creative industries and vintage stores flowing into Columbia Road. Slightly to the west is the Boundary Estate, a council housing project which opened in 1900, making it one of the oldest social housing schemes of its kind. The imposing brick tenements which radiate out from a central bandstand in Arnold Circus are now grade II listed, such is their historical significance. The rest of the neighbourhood displays a variety of housing, from post-war council housing to more modern builds. The primary attraction of the area, however, is its namesake, which runs diagonally through the length of the postcode sector, with Columbia Road Flower Market being a particular attraction. Towards the north the area’s characteristics change to Victorian terraces and buildings, ending at Hackney Road and Haggerston Park.

Boundary Estate was built on the site of Old Nichol, a slum once thought to be the worst built and most deprived in London. The lack of regulation and the demand for property near the city centre resulted in the poor paying extortionate rents to local landlords. The area was thought of as a no-go zone by the upper classes, but contemporary historians state that claims of violence were exaggerated – indeed some policemen lived in the area and outsiders would visit the local pubs. The Boundary Estate provided a hugely increased quality of life but was criticised in the community as only 11 of Old Nichol’s former residents were given homes there, with the rest forced to move further east. Interestingly, many of the area’s current debates around gentrification run along similar lines.

Columbia Road Flower Market is a colourful market selling the country’s finest blooms every Sunday. It is still known throughout London as the place to get cheap high quality plants, with many of the sellers having traded on the same stalls for decades. While the crowds are always large, both because of the low prices and the excellent photo opportunities, this iconic weekly market is an asset to the neighbourhood. The road features many other permanent shops selling pottery, perfumes, coffee and records. While the prices inside these stores are high compared to the market, the cobbled streets and independent cafes make it a quaint part of London.

Considering its proximity to central London and Shoreditch, the area in general is quiet, though some residents point to loud cars revving their engines at night along some of the main roads. Anti-social behaviour can be a common complaint in certain council estate areas. However, it is worth remembering that Columbia road is not unusual in this regard, faring better on crime than many surrounding postcodes.

In line with these adjacent areas, the Columbia Road neighbourhood has seen many new redevelopment schemes spring up which some say threaten to ruin its historic character. Residents recently opposed a plan, which is now on hold, to re-imagine Arnold Circus at the centre of the Boundary Estate. While cars can nolonger pass through the circus, all building work was defered indefintely. However, protests have been less successful elsewhere. Just south of the estates southernmost edge, plans have been accepted for a 15-storey residential-led mixed use scheme on a former industrial site. The Huntingdon Estate, as it will be known, will sit between Redchurch Street and Bethnal Green Road.