Hornsey Town Hall, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Crouch End Building Refurbishment

Hornsey Town Hall Building

Crouch End Architecture Development design by Bennetts Associates Architectst, London, UK

1 June 2019

Hornsey Town Hall Renewal

4 Oct 2011

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Bennetts Associates’ design for new Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts at Hornsey Town Hall unveiled

Location: The Broadway, Crouch End, London N8 9JJ

Design: Bennetts Associates

Bennetts Associates has prepared preliminary proposals to convert the landmark Grade II* listed Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End into a new drama school for Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

image : Bennetts Associates

Originally designed by New Zealand architect Reginald Uren in 1935, Hornsey Town Hall has had limited occupancy since 2003. The project will bring the art deco building back into use, whilst retaining its architectural character and heritage features, to provide a new world-class facility for the internationally renowned theatre and training organisation.

The Assembly Hall will become Mountview Academy’s main theatre space with the remainder of the building occupied by a range of teaching and studio accommodation. The existing Council Chamber and exhibition rooms on the first floor will be refurbished to provide spaces for meetings, workshops and cultural events.

New Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts at Hornsey Town Hall:

image : Bennetts Associates

A new three storey wing of studios will be added to the south, sympathetic in design to the character of the existing building and replacing a residential block masterplanned in a consented but unrealised scheme for an arts centre by John McAslan + Partners.

Exciting new spaces will also be introduced into the two external courtyards, extending public involvement and circulation deeper into the building and towards the new studio wing.

Public access is envisaged to all the key art deco spaces at specific times, including the Council Chamber, committee rooms and foyers, which are currently closed to the public.

New Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in Crouch End:

image : Bennetts Associates

Rab Bennetts, Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “Reworking existing buildings has turned out to be a particularly rich seam in Bennetts Associates’ work and the synergy between Mountview and the spaces within Hornsey Town Hall is inescapable.

Adapting a listed building through architectural inventiveness and improvisation greatly enhances the nature of performance and we are delighted to be involved.”

Mountview Principal Sue Robertson said: “I am delighted that the council and the Trust share our vision for (this building). These plans bring Mountview back to Crouch End, stronger than ever, in stunning new facilities for theatre training and performance.

The move will allow is to act as a real resource for the borough, extending our education and community programme across Haringey and enabling the community to enjoy this important heritage building once again.”

Bennetts Associates has been working with Mountview Academy for more than two years, examining various sites around the capital. Mountview is currently located in north London. Its original base, established in Crouch End in 1945, was located close to (this building).

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts @ Hornsey Town Hall – Building Information

Project Team:
Client: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Architect: Bennetts Associates Architects
Theatre Consultant: Charcoalblue
Structure and Service Engineer, Fire and Acoustics: Buro Happold
Cost Consultant: Gardiner & Theobald

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Crouch End images / information from Bennetts Associates

Bennetts Associates

New information, Aug 2013:

Hornsey Town Hall Restoration, Crouch End
Design: Purcell

image : Purcell
Hornsey Town Hall Restoration

Previously:

14 Jul 2010

Hornsey Town Hall Plans Approved

Hornsey Town Hall Refurbishment, The Broadway, Crouch End, London N8 9JJ
2009-
Design: John McAslan + Partners

Grade II* listed

To be restored for community and creative use, with an upgraded Town Hall square.

This historic Crouch End building is set for a face-lift which could pave the way for a cultural renaissance in the heart of Crouch End.

Haringey Council’s planning committee last night gave the green light to ambitious plans to restore the much-loved Grade II* listed building and bring it back into community use with public halls, theatre space, cafes and landscaping.

images : John McAslan + Partners

Parts of the building and surrounding land will be developed into housing to help cover renovation costs – and ensure the Town Hall can enjoy a long-term future as a cultural hub for Haringey.

Cllr Joe Goldberg, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “I’m pleased that these plans have been given approval and that, at long last, we’re going to be able to bring (this historic Crouch End building) back into use for the benefit of the community.

“Everyone involved in this project – from the council to the Trust – is committed to making it a success. We know how much the Town Hall means to local residents and we’re really excited at the prospect of seeing it restored to its former glory.”

Haringey Council has worked in partnership with the Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust (HTHCT) for more than four years, exploring how best to revitalise the building for the benefit of the community.

Chair of the Trust, Ann Wilks, said: “We are delighted that the planning committee has given the green light to proceed with plans for the restoration of this (historic Crouch End building).

“There is still much work to be done, not least the continuing development of the business model, which will ensure the Town Hall has a sustainable long-term future and one that delivers our vision to both the local and wider north London community.”

Hornsey Town Hall Refurbishment – Further Information

The plans include:
– The refurbishment of the Town Hall building to include cafes and bars, theatre and performance halls, art gallery and exhibition space, and multi-purpose community use space
– Improvements to the Town Hall square, with landscaping and provision to use the space for public events
– Residential developments in the Town Hall’s East Wing and Link Block, The Broadway Annexe and the Mews – to include four four-bed houses, three four-bed flats, 20 three-bed flats, 61 two-bed flats, and 35 one-bed flats

HTHCT

HTHCT is a registered charity and a company.

It is made up of two Haringey councillors and nine local residents.

Once the Town Hall has been restored, the Trust will take on stewardship and management responsibilities for the new facilities.

John McAslan + Partners

Award-winning architects, John McAslan + Partners, were appointed to the project in September 2008 following a competitive tender. Their sensitive and creative restoration of The Roundhouse in Camden and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea heralded successful renewal and regeneration for those two iconic buildings.

Hornsey Town Hall Building News

Hornsey Town Hall, Crouch End Broadway, Crouch End, Haringey, N8
Dates built: 1933-35
Reginald Uren

Architecture competition 1929 won by New Zealand architect Uren
Scandinavian/Dutch Modernist style, focal tower, brown brick
Influences: Hilversum Town Hall; Stockholm Town Hall

12 Jun 2009