Mile End Park is experiencing a surge in private hire bookings, with 35% originating from local residents and organisations. Income from these hires, along with commercial rents from shop lettings, supports the Charity in maintaining park land and amenities for Tower Hamlets residents. This was according to a report presented at the King George's Field Charity Board meeting on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
The report, part of the King George's Field Trust Finance, Activity and Governance updates, compared activities and bookings at the Art and Ecology Pavilions between April 2023-March 2024 and April 2024-March 2025. Despite earlier forecasts, it revealed an overall increase in private hires across both pavilions.
Family celebration events form the majority of private hires, particularly Mehndi celebrations. These are often booked within three months of the date and usually occupy Sundays and midweeks. The Ecology Pavilion's smaller capacity (220) attracts these lower-value, half-day bookings. Higher-value, full-day bookings for wedding receptions and legal ceremonies, usually taking place on a Saturday, are booked over a year in advance due to the venues' high capacity. Additionally, three secondary schools/academies held their leavers 'proms' in the Summer, which is expected to repeat in the coming summer.
The report also provided a breakdown of bookings by type, showing the percentage of borough-based versus non-borough-based clients. On average, 35% of bookings were made by Tower Hamlets residents or organisations. The Art Pavilion saw a higher proportion of local bookings, with a 50% split between borough and non-borough organisations holding exhibitions. The Art Pavilion is more widely used for cultural events and activities than the Ecology Pavilion. The Art Pavilion also offers more outdoor space including car parking that is appealing to event organizers. The Pavilions support free to access community and cultural activities through a subsidised hire policy.
The King George's Field Charity Board is responsible for administering the affairs of the King George's Field, Mile End charity, and the King George's Field – Stepney (Tredegar Square, Bow) charity. The Terms of Reference of the King George's Field Charity Board cover several pieces of land including Stepney Green Park, Whitehorse Road Open Space, Tredegar Square and most of Mile End Park including Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Mile End Stadium. This also includes ten shop units situated beneath the 'Green Bridge' at Mile End.