Hackney Downs Pavilion Café

Closes 17 Dec 2025

Opened 26 Nov 2025

Contact

parks@hackney.gov.uk

Overview

Transforming Hackney Downs Pavilion. 

Hackney Council is proposing to transform the currently underused Pavilion in Hackney Downs Park into a café and community space. This will address long-standing views shared by local people that the Pavilion’s existing changing rooms are infrequently used, and align with Council objectives to expand the provisions of affordable and healthy food and drinks in parks and green spaces.

Consultation will take place from Wednesday, 26 November to Wednesday, 17 December 2025 

We encourage you to have a look at the proposals and submit your feedback through the online survey below:

Want to learn more? Attend one of our two drop-in sessions at the Hackney Downs Pavilion. 

  • Saturday 06 December 9am - 12pm 

  • Tuesday 09 December 3pm - 6pm

Plans to transform the Hackney Downs Pavilion are as follows:

  • Upgrade the appearance of the existing exterior of the building 

  • Create a new café that opens out onto the park, including a hatch to serve passersby

  • Create a new community space for hire that opens to the playground

  • Keep the existing accessible toilet facilities and storage rooms

The Hackney Downs Pavilion is centrally located in the park. The building receives a high number of passersby every day, from commuters on their way to work to people who want to spend time there relaxing.

The existing changing rooms in the Pavilion are underused, and we are therefore proposing to repurpose the space. 

Proposals are for a new café that would seat 30 to 40 visitors. There will be an accessible toilet, a food preparation area and an office area for café staff.

The proposed community space for hire is designed to ensure it is suitable for a range of uses. Various table and seating arrangements will be possible, supported by storage and a kitchenette conveniently located along the southern edge of the room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current project timelines?

We are carrying out the consultation Wednesday 26th November - Wednesday 17th December. We will then be reviewing public feedback and continuing to develop the designs based on this in the new year. Subject to relevant council approvals we will look to provide further updates on next steps and timelines in early 2026. 

 

Do we have an operator for the cafe, and what hours will it be open? 

We do not yet have an operator for the cafe. When the time comes, we will follow a formal tender process to ensure we appoint an operator fairly and competitively. The opening hours are yet to be determined. 

How much will it cost to hire the community space/ how will this be done?

Will we ensure that the community space on offer is affordable and easy to book bench marked against Hackney Council fees and charges guidelines. 

Where will the mosaics group move to?

The mosaic group are currently hirers of the space. We are working with the group to find them an alternative location. 

What will the inside furnishings look like?

This has yet to be developed and we will use community feedback to inform these designs. 

Will there be new public changing facilities for sports teams and park users to replace the current underused ones?

No these are currently not used and therefore no longer required, local schools use their facilities prior to visiting the park. There are existing toilet facilities which visitors may use.

Why your views matter

Your views will be taken into account as part of the final design process.

Give us your views

Online Survey

Events

Interests

  • Parks & green spaces