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Hackney Mosaic Project faces closure threat due to council pavilion plans
Overview
The Hackney Mosaic Project, operating from Hackney Downs Pavilion for 12 years, is campaigning against Hackney Council's plans to turn the venue into a cafe and hourly-hire space. The art group, which provides therapeutic support for vulnerable and isolated people, fears it may have to close without a dedicated space. While a petition against the proposals has gathered about 3,000 signatures, the council states that the project will still have the opportunity to hire space in the redesigned venue.
Key points
- The Hackney Mosaic Project has operated from the Hackney Downs Pavilion since 2012, offering therapeutic mosaic-making and social support to vulnerable people.
- Hackney Council has consulted on plans to transform the pavilion into a cafe and flexible community space available for hourly hire.
- Project founder Tessa Hunkin says the group requires a dedicated area due to their equipment and materials, warning that sharing space could force the project to close.
- About 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing the council's proposals.
- Hackney Council stated that consultation feedback was strongly supportive of the changes and that the project can continue to hire space in the building.