A Wood Green drama school has abandoned plans to make Hornsey Town Hall its new home.

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts had been looking at using the town hall as a permanent home but the plans have proved too expensive.

The school worked with Haringey Borough Council and Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust to explore its options but the costs of using restoring and using the building were not viable.

Instead, Mountview confirmed that it will pursue a new project with the council close to its current studios at the Chocolate Factory, Clarendon Road.

Stephen Jameson, Mountview’s principal and artistic director said: “We were always aware that converting a Grade II* listed building would be a significant challenge.

"Through close planning with Haringey it has become increasingly clear that our demands as a top-flight drama training academy were not an easy fit into Hornsey Town Hall.

“Encouragingly, potential alternative schemes for Mountview have been identified. Should they prove feasible, we look forward to working with the council to develop them.”