Hackney Museum is set for a major upgrade thanks to a £1.7 million capital investment from Hackney Council, bolstered by a £2.2 million grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund[^4]. The funding will support the Reimagining Hackney Museum redevelopment project, ensuring the much-loved cultural asset remains a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
The investment was announced during a Cabinet meeting on 23 June 2025, where Councillor Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, highlighted the importance of the project. He noted that the funding would safeguard the continuation of this much-loved cultural asset for years to come.
The project aims to create more accessible and inclusive community histories through interactive and representative content across new permanent exhibitions. It will also provide paid placements for young residents interested in gaining experience in the heritage sector, as well as volunteering and participation activities to ensure Hackney's diverse communities are involved in creating new content for the exhibition.
Councillor Christopher Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, emphasized that the council's capital commitment was key to attracting significant external funding for the museum project. Councillor Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, added that the circular economy work is embedded in business development decisions.
The Hackney Museum redevelopment is part of a broader capital program that continues to fund major improvements for the benefit of borough residents. Other projects mentioned include securing over £1 million from the GLA Shared Prosperity Fund[^1] for improvements to Ridley Road, Gillette Square, and Hackney Wick.