Major international architecture practice John McAslan + Partners have been appointed to take forward the restoration of 1930s masterpiece Hornsey Town Hall in north London, owned by Haringey Council.
Previous award-winning projects completed by the practice include the Roundhouse in Camden and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, both buildings whose sensitive and creative restoration heralded successful renewal and regeneration.
The practice is also currently working on the King’s Cross station redevelopment programme, which will restore the Grade 1-listed station to its former glory, as well as two new energy centres for London’s 2012 Olympics.
Designed by Reginald Uren and completed in 1935, Hornsey Town Hall is now surplus to council requirements. Detailed design work on the ambitious scheme to breathe new life into the landmark Grade II* listed building will now begin.
The appointment of John McAslan + Partners was made jointly by Haringey Council, the Hornsey Town Hall Community Partnership Board and Capita Symonds, who were appointed as lead consultant earlier this year to provide project management, cost management, structural engineering, building services and environmental services for the project.
The partnership board, comprising local residents and council representatives, will take on stewardship and management of the town hall complex under a trust arrangement after restoration for community and creative use.
Hornsey Town Hall Community Partnership Board chair Ann Wilks said: “JMP is pre-eminent for projects of this kind, and having such a prestigious design team in place is fantastic news. We are all now looking forward to delivering a successful project for the people of Crouch End and beyond.”
Cllr Charles Adje, Haringey cabinet member for resources, said: “Residents told us clearly that Hornsey Town Hall should be safeguarded for community use, and that is what we are doing. The development will restore an important borough landmark and revive the town hall as a hub of civic and social activity.”
Hannah Lawson, director of JMP’s arts, culture and education unit, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed for this prestigious commission, and look forward to working with the Community Partnership Board, Haringey Council and the local community to realise their aspiration. Key to our approach will be comprehensive and inclusive consultation with the community and other stakeholders, focusing on the needs and aspirations of the people who will enjoy this building for decades to come. We are looking forward to the opportunities this exciting project offers.”
Tony Hutchinson, Capita Symonds Associate Director Regeneration & Development Management, said: “This is a stimulating and challenging project. We are enjoying our role with the Community Partnership Board and believe that, with John McAslan + Partners, we will help to deliver their vision for Hornsey Town Hall.”
A full design brief for the project will now be prepared and approved before the end of the year. A planning application will be submitted in early summer next year, with work expected to start on site in early 2010.
For more information on the project please see the Community Partnership Board website www.hornsey-town-hall.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Hornsey Town Hall is now seen as one of the finest examples of its period, with many original fixtures and fittings still in place.
The assembly hall staged events of all kinds including dances, school prize-givings and even Queen’s first concert in 1971.
The town hall function transferred to Wood Green when the London Borough of Haringey was created in 1963, and the building has since been used primarily as office accommodation.
When Haringey Council decided it no longer needed the building, local people campaigned for it to be retained for community use, and the Community Partnership Board was established.
Ideas for the building include performance and community space, facilities for young people, new business space and an upgraded Town Hall square.
Haringey Council is providing initial funding of up to £6 million, and the overall project will be funded primarily by residential and retail development on the site.