Crouch End’s 1930s landmark closed in 2019 after Haringey Council struck a deal with developer the Far East Consortium (FEC)
But the scheme to restore the former council offices into 147 flats, a hotel, and community arts centre has been mired in delay and controversy – with completion of the cultural spaces falling years behind schedule.
In February it was reported that FEC had sold the hall to Caymans Island-based AMTD IDEA Group in a £47 million deal, and in May, General Projects was appointed to oversee the “operation and activation of the Town Hall”.
Now, the dedicated volunteers who run Crouch End’s annual arts festival are working in partnership with Hornsey Town Hall on the reopening of the main space, former council chamber and meeting rooms to the public.
The December 6 event will feature a Christmas market, a chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, and an Ice Queen grotto, with the switch-on of a Christmas tree on the green followed by a light show across the facade of the Grade II* listed hall.
In the evening there will be comedy – courtesy of Crouch End pub The King’s Head – live jazz music and a bar, with the area’s talented artists also exhibiting their work.
Chris Arnold, co-founder of Crouch End Arts Festival, said: “It’s good news that the Town Hall is opening finally.
“We are giving our input for ideas and running the Christmas market on a voluntary basis – and we are putting the tree in again on the green.
“The Bubble Vision light show across the building is similar to the one we do at Hornsey Tower and is going to be absolutely amazing, and the King’s Head is doing the comedy while Crossover Jazz are running the music.”
Mr Arnold says there are teething problems with the renovation, with no equipment in the main hall, which has previously hosted gigs by Queen and The Kinks.
“The renovation looks very nice but it has no lighting or sound system or even a plug socket on the stage so we are bringing stuff in,” he said.
“It’s a tough time for an arts centre to be opening, with a huge reduction in funding for venues. How suitable the building will be as a creative arts centre in the long run we will have to wait and see.”
Appointing General Projects to run the Town Hall in May, FEC said it marked a milestone in the regeneration of the building, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to securing the future of Hornsey Town Hall as a cultural, creative and civic community asset.
FEC pledged that it would eventually offer a range of cultural, workspace, creative and community spaces including studios, offices, exhibition spaces and performance areas plus a new restaurant and café.
As part of the complex Dao by Dorsett North London will offer 68 serviced apartment units, a blend of studios and suites.
Nick Poon, head of projects at FEC UK, said at the time: “Hornsey Town Hall is one of North London’s most iconic heritage buildings, and we are proud to be delivering its next chapter. The appointment of General Projects marks a major step forward in our vision to bring the building back into public use as a vibrant arts centre and community space.”
