A Secure Future For Hornsey Town Hall

The multi-million pound renovation of Hornsey Town Hall and square – including a new arts and community centre and careful restoration of the historic Grade II* listed building – has been guaranteed.

Haringey Council’s agreement with developers FEC, which was signed this week, secures the future of the iconic landmark in the heart of Crouch End, with:

• A new arts centre, with community access and cafe/restaurants
• Complete restoration of the ageing building, removing it from the national Buildings at Risk register and improving it for modern use
• Improvements to the Town Hall Square, with continued public use
• A boutique hotel
• New housing and landscaping

FEC (Far East Consortium International Ltd) are working alongside developer CoPlan Estates, to develop detailed designs for the Town Hall, and will appoint a specialist arts centre operator to ensure the building remains a vibrant creative hub.

The agreement between the council and FEC guarantees continued public access to, and use of, many parts of the building including historically significant spaces such as the assembly hall, foyer, council chamber, supper room and committee rooms.

FEC will take forward the ongoing discussion with local groups about community provision and have committed to setting up a steering group, including representatives from community organisations, once the building has re-opened.

Restoration is expected to start in early 2018 and follows a decade of joint working between Haringey Council and the residents’-led Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust (HTHCT) to secure use of the building and square, and revitalise this part of Haringey.

Cllr Alan Strickland, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning, said: “The significance of this agreement can’t be understated – it guarantees Hornsey Town Hall for future generations to enjoy, with millions of pounds of investment and complete renovation of one of north London’s best-loved landmarks.

“We know how much Hornsey Town Hall means to local people. We share their passion, and I’m delighted that this contract means we can restore and future-proof the building, safeguard Hornsey Town Hall Square and ensure residents can continue to enjoy top quality arts and community events in the heart of Crouch End.”

John Connolly, Head of Development at FEC, said: “We’re really pleased to have signed an agreement with Haringey Council to deliver the complete refurbishment of this iconic Grade II* listed building.

“Our ambitious vision is for a restored Town Hall complete with a new arts centre, improved public square and a new cafe/restaurant to offer residents new community space.

“We’re looking forward to working with local residents, community groups and businesses to ensure that together we can deliver a scheme to make Crouch End proud. We look forward to announcing further details of our programme of community engagement.”

Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust said: “The sensitive restoration and refurbishment of this much-loved, iconic and nationally significant architectural gem – while ensuring as much public access and use as possible – has been the raison d’être of the HTHCT throughout its 10-year existence.

“It is very exciting to have, at last, reached a stage here the funds will now be available to take the project forward. The Trust’s commitment to ensuring a very high quality refurbishment and surrounding development, together with an exciting mix of community and arts uses, remains unwavering.”

For further information about FEC please contact them on Tel: 020 3370 6804