Hornsey Town Hall is a building in Crouch End which, for some time, has offered the general public many exciting activities and events. It will be closed for development by a company formed by the Far East Consortium (FEC), the privatisation coming as Haringey Council does not have the resources to meet the costs of the restoration.
The Town Hall is a Grade II* listed building built in 1935. While currently home to dance classes, events and rental spaces, but there are also many dilapidated buildings which are in desperate need of restoration. The £27 million sale will result in the usage of the building as a hotel, in addition to many new homes. This, however, does not mean that the whole building will be closed to the public – the sale also promises a new restaurant or café, a nicer square and the most historically significant parts of the Hall open for public use.
The project, however, has been met with significant opposition. Some feel that the change brings a loss of a community space, and the companies using the site are unlikely to keep that privilege, according to Haringey’s website: “All of those hiring space from ANA are on short term hire agreements, and we will work with occupiers and advise on whether there are other local Council owned premises they can operate from.” This will have widespread consequences for many – one girl who attends a dance club in the facility said: ‘I’m sad about not being able to do dance in Hornsey Town Hall, because it’s a really nice space and I enjoyed dancing there.’ Whether there will be similar opportunities after the development is uncertain.
There have also been many movements objecting to the decision - Hornsey Town Hall Appreciation Society (HTHAS) for example, who have appealed to Jeremy Corbyn to intervene. Catherine West MP, of the constituency Hornsey and Wood Green, also disagrees with the plans the company has for the space.
On the other hand, the project is necessary to secure the future of Hornsey Town Hall, as it is currently on England’s Heritage at risk register. If the funds for it are supplied, Hornsey Town Hall might be restored to the pinnacle of its beauty. It would be unfortunate to lose such a historically significant and unique building. If the company’s promises are fulfilled, it is possible that Town Hall will be an even greater asset to Crouch End.
Hornsey Town Hall undoubtedly requires renovation and restoration to have it resemble the building the community deserves. However, this does not mean that the plan the council has consented to is the best one, and at the very least it will mean that some of the activities enjoyed in the town hall today will be interrupted or sacrificed completely. This unfortunately may be the inevitable part of any solution the council has available to them. Hopefully, we will gain a Town Hall which caters to and supports local families and businesses.
Emma Aarts
St. Mary Magdalene Academy
