Hackney Mosaic Project, a community art group that has operated from Hackney Downs Pavilion since 2013, is facing eviction under council plans to convert the building into a café and flexible community space. Founder Tessa Hunkin, 72, says the proposal would force out her volunteers, who rely on the space's size and stability to create large murals. An online petition opposing the change has gathered 2,800 signatures within a week.
Council plans and community response
Hackney Council first announced its intention to revamp the former sports pavilion in November 2025, describing the changing room facilities as 'underused'. The initial proposal included a café seating 30 to 40 visitors, an accessible toilet, a food preparation area, and a staff office. A small community space would be available for hourly hire, 'designed to ensure it is suitable for a range of uses', according to a consultation page.
Public feedback at that time was 'overwhelmingly' supportive of the Mosaic Project remaining in place, Hunkin said. Despite this, the council is proceeding with the plans, prompting Hunkin to launch the petition to 'generate ammunition' against a looming change of use application.
Art group's impact and member concerns
The Project was originally established to support people living with addiction but has since evolved to help 'hundreds' of vulnerable and isolated residents across Hackney. Over several months, volunteers collaborate on large mosaics for housing estates, playgrounds, and private clients such as London Zoo. They are also known for creating the Hounds of Hackney Downs, a mural depicting local dogs past and present.
Ken Edwards, 62, joined the group after being referred by an alcohol rehabilitation centre in the early 2010s. He described the uncertain future as 'devastating', saying, "It really saddens me to think there might be no mosaic one day. I wake up on a Wednesday and I wash, get ready and come here. Then the same thing on Friday and every other Saturday. That's a whole piece of my life being taken away." He added that two coffee vans previously operated in the park and "neither of them made any money."
Fellow volunteer Mina Patel, who has been involved for around two years, said, "The best part of the Project is being part of something bigger. This is part of Hackney Downs and it would be a shame to rip that heart out."
Council defends proposal, offers alternative
Hackney Council has offered the Project an alternative site in Upper Clapton's Springfield Park, but Hunkin said it is 'half the size' of their current workshop. The group is also considering other venues, though their 'peculiar' needs make finding suitable space difficult.
Councillor Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport, said: "Last year the Council asked for feedback on its proposals to transform the currently underused Hackney Downs Pavilion into a new café and flexible community space. While overall sentiment to the consultation was strongly supportive, we have made some changes to the design based on the feedback we received which we will publish in the next few months." He added that the proposals include a space for all community groups to hire, and the Mosaic Project, which has used the Pavilion for around six to nine hours a week, will continue to have that opportunity.
The group is currently set to remain in the Pavilion for at least three more months. Hunkin said, "We want to show the council that we have a lot of support and represent some value that's not necessarily economic."
