Dalston residents asked to create their very own farm shop

An empty shop in Dalston Lane is being transformed into a working farm complete with chicken coops and mini fish farms.

Now residents are being asked to roll their sleeves up and get involved by volunteering on Saturdays in preparation for the grand opening in September.

Eco-designers Something & Son will create Farm:Shop at 20 Dalston Lane, E8, with the backing of Hackney Council, and aim to grow as much food as possible over the Next year – which will be served in a nearby café and sold to local restaurants.

Farm:Shop will include an indoor 'hydroponic' allotment are among the eco and agricultural innovations volunteers will help to create. Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "Farm:Shop captures the essence of Dalston as a place where passions for art and culture mix with efforts to improve the environment. 

“Like the Barbican’s project in Dalston last year, The Dalston Mill, Farm:Shop creatively uses an empty space for a positive means. 

“The council will continue to support projects like this, and I hope that residents enjoy getting involved with Farm:Shop.”

The project is the second in a series of projects aimed at bringing empty shops back to life and benefit residents at the same time. The first project is a pop-up art gallery in a former post office which runs until 26 September called POSTED explores the post and our postal heritage through art exhibitions, performances and workshops and brings the empty property at 67 Wilton Way, E8, back into community use.

Volunteers are needed to help at the farm shop on Saturdays  between 10am- 7pm until 18 September. Free tea and cakes are provided. To find out more or get involved e-mail: someone@somethingandson.com or visit here