Despite being notorious in the late 1990s for its economic downturn, this slice of Upper Clapton is now a green and leafy oasis. There’s a plethora of public green space, like Millfields Rec, Springfield Park, Clapton Common, and the bountiful Walthamstow Marshes. Home to a diverse array of communities, and since its major renovation in 2012, the area is now relatively safe having undergone a period of gentrification.

Modern Upper Clapton dates back to the 1930s, when it became the experimental zone for large-scale housing projects by the local authorities. Knocking down some of the old slums as well as the Georgian villas and terraces that previously existed, many high-rise towers were constructed throughout the mid 20th century. Unfortunately, the area became neglected and, in 2002, Clapton Road became known as “murder mile” due to the violence, crime and poverty in the area. However, in recent years, the area has shed itself of this reputation and is an increasingly sore after edgy hub in east London.

The area’s history is notable for its role in the first British-built aircraft, which was flown over Walthamstow Marshes back in 1909. Built by Edwin Alliot Verdon Roe underneath the railway arches, he even flew it himself!

Despite the massive improvements in recent years, the neighbourhood still has a somewhat bad reputation amongst locals who lived nearby in the 1990s. It is still considered relatively deprived and has been noted for having quite a transient population. Whilst crime is significantly lower due to 2012 redevelopment, the issue still persists at lower levels.

In order to continue to improve the reputation, further regeneration programmes are continuing in the area. A recent development was the £10.6 million refurbishment of the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands. Having opened in 2016, it is now Europe’s largest wetland reserve! Local Hackney Council has also announced plans to connect up Lower and Upper Clapton by remodelling the key Lea Bridge roundabout whilst protecting the historic environment.

Slightly further south, The £200 million-strong redevelopment of the Nightingale Estate, just north of Hackney Downs, has been anticipated since the 1990s and was recently completed. The development included 400 new homes built on a derelict former council estate. This will add to the council’s wider regeneration programme of delivering more than 750 new properties on the estate by the time the whole site is redeveloped.