Mosaic project fears closure due to pavilion plans

An art group known for its colourful tile designs in Hackney is campaigning against plans to change its venue.

The Mosaic Project is facing an uncertain future, after working from the Hackney Downs Pavilion for the past 12 years.

Hackney Council has consulted on plans to turn the venue into a cafe and a space that can be hired by the hour. It says the group would be welcome to continue working there.

Members of the Mosaic Project say they were hoping for a dedicated area within the building and fear that without a suitable place to go it might have to close.

The project was set up in 2012 by Tessa Hunkin, who told BBC London the initial idea was "to use mosaic as a kind of therapeutic exercise".

"We have another kind of value, a social value, that the council isn't really taking into account," said Hunkin.

"We help isolated and vulnerable people who might otherwise just be adding to their social care bill.

"We help them at no cost to the council at all."

The council's plans to change the venue have left regulars like Ken worried.

"We're like a little family. I was an alcoholic - since coming here it's given me something to do in the daytime instead of sitting indoors," he said.

Hackney Council said the response to a consultation was strongly supportive of its plans, adding it "will carry on working closely with the Hackney Mosaic Project".

About 3,000 people have signed a petition against the council's proposals.

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 cafe 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.

"As they always have, these proposals include a space for all community groups and residents to hire for a range of purposes.

"This means Hackney Mosaic Project, who for many years have only hired space in the pavilion for around six to nine hours a week, will continue to have the opportunity to hire space in the venue."

Hunkin said: "It's hard for us to share space with others because we have loads of stuff and make a fair bit of mess.

"We had hoped, and still do, that the council would allow us some dedicated space in what is quite a large building."

She said the group has "made a big contribution to Hackney, supporting vulnerable and isolated people, embellishing lots of neglected corners and creating a unique initiative".

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