Hire fees for the Art and Ecology Pavilions in Mile End Park are set to increase by 3.3% from July 1, 2026, following a decision by the King George's Field Charity Board. The adjustments are intended to cover rising maintenance and operational costs, including inflation and increased energy and staffing expenses.

The decision comes after a period where no fee increases were applied for the 2025/26 financial year. In the previous year, rates had risen by 11.4% to address inflation, after remaining static for several years. The report detailing these changes can be found in the Public reports pack.

Arguments for the increase highlighted the need to generate sufficient income for the pavilions' upkeep and long-term sustainability. The report noted that even with the proposed rises, the rates remain competitive compared to similar venues in the area, such as Core Clapton, Hackney Town Hall, and Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Current Hire Fees:

Art Pavilion:

  • Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Monday to Thursday): £1,839 (includes staffing)
  • Full day private hire rate – 16hrs (Monday to Thursday): £3,677 (Includes staffing)
  • Full day private hire rate – 16hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays): £4,534 (includes staffing)
  • Corporate hire rate per hour (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) – minimum 5hrs: £181p/h (excludes staffing costs and tech hire)
  • Exhibition Rate for 7 days (generally October to April) (9am to 6pm): £2,145
  • Subsidised Exhibition Rate for 7 days (generally, October to April) (9am to 6pm): £1,532

Ecology Pavilion:

  • Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Monday to Thursday): £1,532 (includes staffing)
  • Full day private hire rate - 16hrs (Monday to Thursday): £3,064 (includes staffing)
  • Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays): £1,839 (includes staffing)
  • Full day private hire rate - 16hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays): £3,677 (includes staffing)
  • Corporate hire rate per hour (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday): £146 p/h (excludes staffing costs and tech hire)

There are no current plans for future fee increases beyond the proposed 3.3% for July 1, 2026. The decision was made at a King George's Field Charity Board meeting, the agenda for which can be viewed here.