Hornsey Town Hall’s future has taken further strides forward, with six bidders shortlisted to present innovative ideas for securing the landmark building for generations to come. The bidders were selected from a host of interested groups, who were each asked to complete a detailed "pre-qualification questionnaire" highlighting their experience of delivering projects with community benefits. Responses were thoroughly evaluated by the council, the Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust and property experts GVA. Only bids that included a clear commitment to community access to the much-loved Grade II* listed building were considered.
The six shortlisted bidders and now taking part in a detailed solutions stage, where they will have to develop more in-depth bids before a final preferred bidder is chosen.
Bidders will have to show how their plans for the landmark building will:
- Safeguard the Town Hall and preserve its heritage
- Support the local economy
- Be commercially sound
- Have a strong community focus
The short-listing announcement comes in the same week as it was confirmed that ANA, who have been running the successful Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre from the building for the past year, will continue to oversee interim activities and events at the venue.
The new lease offered by the council to ANA will run for at least a year and also allow for activities to continue for longer while the long-term future of the building is secured.
A packed first year of residency by the arts organisation has seen events and activities ranging from silent discos and stand-up comedy to dance classes and art exhibitions. ANA will maintain responsibility for all events, activities and bookings throughout this year.
Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
"We’re delighted to be celebrating so much good news for Hornsey Town Hall this week.
"The level of interest and the very high quality of early operator bids underline what a tremendous opportunity Hornsey Town Hall is – and how much desire there is to see this fantastic building restored and brought back into use for future generations.
"Our commitment to finding a long-term option for Hornsey Town Hall – one that respects its unique heritage and secures its future – remains.
"We’ve been really impressed by the very high quality of responses and look forward to seeing the shortlisted plans take shape during the coming months."
"We know how much local people have enjoyed being able to enjoy Hornsey Town Hall the building while we work to secure its future, and it’s fantastic news that ANA will continue to deliver such a varied and exciting range of interim activities that have helped place the building back at the heart of the community."