:
UK: A local group is aiming to lease Ealing Town Hall in an attempt to stop it being converted into a hotel.
Ealing Council has accepted an application from Ealing Voice to list the New Broadway building as an asset of community value. An asset of community value is defined as land or property of importance to a local community which is subject to “additional protections” from development, under the Localism Act 2011.
The group of around 40 people has until late September to express their interest in taking over the lease of the building.
Developer Mastcraft has been chosen to refurbish the building and build a hotel on site – leaving it closed for 18 months before a 245-year lease begins.
But the council has said that if Ealing Voice prepares an alternative proposal it will consider this before entering into a legal agreement with Mastcraft.
Ealing Voice founder Julian Smith, said: “The town hall has been the heart of the civic administration and community of Ealing for over 125 years. Public subscriptions helped to build this irreplaceable community asset which has served us well for many generations. If it is lost to a private commercial operator now our community will never be in a position to replace it. We have a passionate desire to preserve real community access and improve this vital asset.”
Mastcraft’s plans involve the council will retaining the east wing of the building for civic use with part of the west wing being turned into a boutique hotel.
Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “I am totally committed to preserving Ealing Town Hall, but even after an £800,000 investment it still needs considerable work done to bring it up to an acceptable standard and the council is no longer in a financial position to maintain and run the building. It is essential that we find a balance between the community and commercial use of the building to ensure there is a long term sustainable future that ensures it remains at the heart of the town centre for future generations. I welcome any interest from local people to find a sustainable long term future for the town hall.”
