Previously unexplored parts of The Geffrye Museum are set to be opened up to the public in a £15m revamp, and a former Victorian pub will be turned into a café and arts space.
Councillors sitting on Hackney Council’s planning committee have given the green light for the ambitious project to develop the museum of the home in Kingsland Road, Hoxton.
The ‘Unlocking the Geffrye’ project will open up 70 per cent of the museum’s buildings to the public, as opposed to 30 per cent now.
A new entrance will be installed opposite Hoxton Overground Station, and new gallery spaces in the 18th century Grade I-listed almshouses will exhibit artefacts currently held in storage.
A pavilion in the museum’s gardens will be used for educational activities.
David Dewing, Director of the Geffrye, said: “Developing the museum will ensure our buildings and gardens are safeguarded for future generations and many more people from Hackney and beyond will be able to enjoy the Geffrye, be inspired by our collections and take part in our activities.
“With planning secured, we can now really step up our fundraising campaign to make our vision a reality.”
Work should now begin next year and be completed by 2019.
A previous application to demolish the The Marquis of Landsdowne, in Cremer Street as part of a proposed £18.9 million extension was slammed by heritage campaigners, and turned down by the council in 2013, leading the museum to make a u-turn.
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