When complete the restoration of the Art Deco building is due to contain an arts centre but there are now doubts over whether it will be fully delivered, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

The developer of Hornsey Town Hall says it remains “wholly committed” to delivering the arts centre while blaming delays on “significant market challenges”.

The restoration of the historic building, first opened in 1935, was begun in December 2017 by Far East Consortium (FEC), a Hong Kong developer, after it won the tender to secure the Crouch End site’s long-term future.

The plan, which was controversial at the time it was announced, was to convert the Art Deco building into a boutique hotel and deliver 146 flats within the grounds, as well as the arts centre and other community facilities.

The flats have been completed and are in the process of being sold, while the hotel is reportedly nearing completion, however the arts centre’s progress remains uncertain.

Asked for an update, a spokesperson for FEC said: “Unfortunately, significant market challenges over the last few years have resulted in delays to the project being completed.

“FEC remains wholly committed to delivering on its commitments to reopen and activate the town hall for the benefit of local residents and stakeholders.”

A CGI of the completed Hornsey Town Hall redevelopment

However, Hornsey and Friern Barnet MP Catherine West has raised concerns over the scheme’s progress.

In a recent newsletter the Labour MP said there had been a “lack of information” from FEC on the community use of the town hall and that she would continue to monitor the development “very closely” in a bid to ensure the developer’s community infrastructure obligations were met.

The building’s owner, Haringey Council, also said the delivery of the arts centre remained “a priority” and that it was urging FEC to establish a steering group to quicken progress.

Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:”We fully share the concerns of the community about the lengthy delays and want to reassure them that the delivery of an arts centre at Hornsey Town Hall remains a priority for the council.

“Our position is clear and unchanged: we expect FEC to deliver on the commitments made to the local community when they won the tender for Hornsey Town Hall and gained planning permission, and have been seeking assurances that will be the case.

“Meetings have been taking place and we are urging FEC to establish a steering group with the local community as well as improve communications with residents on next steps, to deliver on the original vision for this important community and heritage space.”

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