Ealing Town Hall Designated an Asset of Community Value

Applicant told any proposal would be considered before building is turned into hotel

Ealing Council has approved an application from a local group, Ealing Voice, to list Ealing Town Hall as an asset of community value. If they bid to take over the lease of the building they will have six months to present an alternative to the current plan to redevelop the building into a luxury hotel.

An asset of community value is a building or piece of land whose main use furthers the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.

Ealing Voice will then have six weeks to express an interest in bidding to take on the lease of the building. Should they inform the council of its intention to bid it will have up to six months to present plans. If Ealing Voice indicates that it wishes to work up a proposal then the council will consider this before entering into any legal agreement with Mastcraft who are planning to develop the Town Hall into a hotel.

They will need to meet a set of criteria laid down by the Council which includes demonstrating that their proposed use can be finanicially sustainable in the longer term. They would also need to retain public access to the facilities on a similar basis to that operating now and cover the cost of maintenance of the Grade II listed building. In addition they would need to refurbish and provide long term office and meeting space for the ongoing democratic services of the council.

In July Ealing Council approved a proposal for Mastcraft to redevelop the building into a 140 room boutique hotel. The building’s two most iconic rooms, the Victoria Hall and Council Chamber will be preserved as part of an 18-month extensive refurbishment to reconfigure the underused building.

Julian Bell, leader of the council, 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.”

If the Mastcraft project goes ahead part of the town hall could be developed into a hotel with function and meeting rooms that a range of organisations will be able to continue to hire. Subject to planning approvals, the proposed hotel development could also include a bistro restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace.

August 9, 2016