In 2016, Peer led a major capital redevelopment project that transformed the public gallery space as well as the corner of Hoxton Street and Fanshaw Street on the Arden Estate. The redesign introduced Silver Birch trees, circular stone seating, bins, bike parking, public art commissions and a corner garden, creating a green oasis that has encouraged wildlife to flourish, while providing a welcoming space for local people to relax and connect with nature.

The garden was renamed Khadija’s Garden in 2017, in memory of Peer employee and artist Khadija Mohammadou Saye (30 July 1992 – 14 June 2017), Mary Mendy and the 70 people who were tragically killed in the Grenfell Tower Fire on 14 June 2017. Khadija was working at Peer at the time and was involved in the development, fundraising and planting of the garden. Today the garden stands out not only as a valued public space, but as a lasting place of remembrance, reflection and community.

Located in the front of Peer, in the heart of Hoxton and within the Arden Estate, the garden is enjoyed by local residents, visitors and the many species of birds, insects and pollinators that it now supports.

Over the past ten years, the garden has been carefully nurtured by a succession of dedicated gardeners. Landscape gardener Jane Heather established the original design and planting of the garden, laying foundations for the diverse landscape and continued to care for the garden until 2024. She was followed by Edward Simpson, who maintained the garden over the next two years. Currently, our gardener Carley Wootton continues to cultivate and care for the space, nurturing a diverse range of plants.

Overlooking the garden is Black Hands, a freestanding clock by Turner Prize-winning artist Chris Ofili. For the work, Ofili replaced the clock’s numerals with twelve of his signature ‘Afrohead’ pencil drawings, while four illuminated ‘Afromuses’ portrait heads grace the display area beneath.

Nestled among the planting is Spontaneous City: Hoxton, a ten-metre-long permanent sculpture by the interdisciplinary art practice London Fieldworks (Bruce Gilchrist and Jo Joelson). Comprising 212 handcrafted bird and insect boxes, the installation provides vital habitats for urban wildlife while celebrating the rich biodiversity that thrives within a city.

Together, the commissions by Chris Ofili and London Fieldworks make Khadija’s Garden a unique meeting point of art, ecology and remembrance.

‍I have lived around the corner since 1981. Peer gives an instant dynamism to the area with its innovative exhibitions and its beautiful garden. Sometimes people just stand and gaze through the window and then pass by the garden in a state of disbelief. We are all grateful to you for providing a completely different focal point in the area. Thank you so much! – Susan, local resident

‍