I volunteered as a guide to Hornsey Town Hall for the Saturday
of Open House London weekend having known the building from when I lived nearby
and been to a number of events there.
Up to Crouch End for a 9.30am start, already a number of
people waiting outside expecting to be able to get in without prior booking
(not the case) but a breakdown in communication with Haringey Council caused
the problem – and Haringey had not got my name on their list even though I had
confirmation from Open House that I was booked in as a volunteer.
The guides were given a tour around the bits of the building
that visitors were able to see. Most of the main areas of interested were
accessible, although we were restricted to the rear part of the Assembly Room.
Visitor groups were kept to around 15 people with two of us taking them around
for half an hour or so, although due to the number of visitors we ended up with
35 on one tour.
Most visitors were locals but a few had come some distance
for the chance to see inside. The people who came from the area were aware of
the current situation regarding the building and proposed future plans for its
use. Some expressed concern over its fate and the fact that it had been left to
deteriorate since 1965 when it passed from Hornsey Borough Council to Haringey
Council.
There’s great potential but funding is the problem and
finding a suitable viable use is the challenge. Hopefully public access will be
improved but it may well not be open again until Open House London 2015.
