In 2013, Paul Marc Davis was looking for a new premises for his thriving Apple computer repair business and found a “complete blank canvas” at 489 Hackney Road. A sculptor in a former life, he knew he could create something unique there, designing a traditional-looking shop front as a fun and ironic home for this most contemporary of businesses.
When Julian Litvinoff opened his bed and mattress showroom on Hackney Road in 1995, just a few minutes’ walk from the Empress Works development, this neighbourhood was still very much a place of industry.
Stephane Cusset first opened L’eau a La Bouche on Broadway Market in 2004 and moved to a larger premises next door five years later. “It was really busy straightaway,” he says. “It was just very well received by the locals.”
Interior designer Lucy Currell had plenty to work with when it came to creating a look for the first finished apartment of Empress Works.