In 2016, Peer redesigned the corner of Hoxton Street and Fanshaw Street on the Arden Estate. The project involved installing a corner pocket garden, adding Silver Birch trees, seating, bins and bike parking to create a pocket park and community hub for local people to enjoy. The pocket-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 72 people who were tragically killed in the Grenfell Tower Fire on 14 June 2017.

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For the past nine years, the garden has stood as a living memorial and a site of reflection. During this time, Peer has worked collaboratively with gardeners to cultivate and care for the space, focussing on growing species of plants that are both beautiful and ecologically beneficial. It is located in the heart of Hoxton, at the front of Peer, and within the Arden Estate, where it is loved by local residents and visitors alike.

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The garden is overlooked by award–winning artist Chris Ofili’s Black Hands clock. For this work Ofili selected 12 of his tiny signature ‘Afrohead’ pencil drawings to replace the numerals on the clock face, while four illuminated ‘Afromuses’ portrait heads grace the display area beneath.

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Nestled in the foliage lies Spontaneous City: Hoxton, a 10 metre long sculpture made up of 212 bird and insect boxes designed by interdisciplinary art practice London Fieldworks (Bruce Gilchrist and Jo Joelson).

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“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

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