Have your say on proposals to open up underused parts of Stoke Newington Town Hall and Library
Residents and business owners are being asked for their opinions on proposals to open up vacant and underused parts of Stoke Newington Town Hall and Library to secure the future of the buildings.
The Grade II listed Town Hall and the Library are some of the borough’s key landmarks, but many parts of the buildings are underused. The buildings are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. In recent years the Council has spent over £5m refurbishing them and it is estimated that a further £10m will be needed to protect and maintain these important community assets.
The Council Chamber, Assembly Hall and core Library spaces will be retained but the Council needs to look at how it can best use some of the underused spaces to help fund essential works and ensure the long term future of these public spaces.
Ideas include renting some of the unused parts of the buildings to local businesses and artists as workspace. There is also the potential to develop some housing to the rear of the town hall.
Stoke Newington Town Hall and Library have long been cherished as an important part of the borough’s heritage and the facilities are valued now more than ever. By making better use of the underused and hidden spaces in the Town Hall campus there is an opportunity to create a solid foundation for the long term future of the Town Hall and the Library.
It is important that the Council remains the responsible custodian for the future of the Town Hall and Library and as such must work up a plan that protects the facilities and is financially sustainable. If you have some thoughts about how this can be achieved then please do send them in and help shape the future of these important buildings.
The Council is aiming to gather thoughts and ideas for additional purposes the buildings could be used for, to help shape its draft proposals. Businesses can also contribute ideas about specific uses for the spaces.
To have your say, pick up a copy of the questionnaire at Stoke Newington Library or complete one online at www.hackney.gov.uk/spd
The consultation is open until 14 November 2016.