Hornsey Town Hall and Square has been designated an asset of community value (ACV) in recognition of its cultural significance to Crouch End and Haringey. Haringey Council confirmed the ACV designation following a community nomination from members of the Crouch End Community Arts Festival.


 
The status is formal recognition of the community value both of the much-loved Grade II* listed Town Hall and the public square and green in front of it – and underlines the council’s ongoing commitment to preserving the landmark for future generations to enjoy.

Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“We welcomed the asset of community value nomination and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to give Hornsey Town Hall and Square this official recognition.

“We share local people’s enthusiasm for the Town Hall, which is why we’re committed to finding the best possible long term future for it – one that will respect and protect its Grade II* listed architectural heritage, offer community access and secure its future.”

Work to find a sustainable future operating model for the Town Hall is continuing as planned. The Town Hall site will go to the open market later this year, with the council hoping to secure a long-term lease arrangement with a partner that will take forward refurbishment works to the listed building as well as redevelopment of the remaining land on the site.
 
The council will welcome bids to restore, lease and run the Town Hall, together with development of the remaining site, from any interested party – including community groups – that can demonstrate how they will offer community access while securing a lasting future for the building. Strict bidding criteria will mean that any proposals that fail to demonstrate community access will not be considered.
 
ACV designation means that if the site was put up for sale, there would be an initial pause of any sale for six weeks to allow any community group to make a written request to be treated as a potential bidder.
 
If a community group was to come forward as a potential bidder during the six-week pause, a further moratorium of six months would be triggered, during which time the asset could not be disposed of unless to a community interest group.
 
Following the six-month period, the site could be disposed of.
 
It is anticipated that putting the Town Hall site out to the open market and securing the right partner will take longer than any moratorium period that could be triggered by the ACV designation. Should any community group come forward as a potential bidder, they would be able to engage with and respond to the open market opportunity. Further information on this process will be advertised in due course.