A 1920s assembly hall will be restored to its former glory to provide a fabulous venue for weddings, civil partnerships, dances, cinema screenings and other community events, in an ambitious new venture by Islington Council.<br><br>The original assembly room in Islington Town Hall - a Grade II listed building in fashionable Upper Street – was for decades a celebrated public venue, regularly playing host to dances, concerts and other borough functions.<br><br>The historic hall fell into disuse into the 1980s while the entrance lobby housed the Islington Museum for a period - but the council has now begun planning to open its doors to the public again. <br><br>Cllr Andrew Cornwell, Islington Council's Executive Member for Finance, said: "This is a fantastic space with huge potential in a listed building - and it was intended for local people to use and enjoy. We'd like to see it brought back into public use, and we've started detailed work on how this can be done. <br><br>"I am determined to make maximum use of all council property and this superb venue has been standing empty for far too long". <br><br>The hall has retained plenty of original features, with a stage, balcony, potential seating for 500 people, and a fully sprung ballroom dance floor. <br><br>And although the council wants all restoration work to be sympathetic to the hall's historic character, there are plans for one modern twist - solar panels on the flat roof to provide environmentally friendly energy. <br><br>The assembly hall has been out of use for more than 20 years so a lot of work is needed to bring the venue back into use - to make it accessible for people with disabilities, and to renew outdated electricals and plumbing. <br><br>Detailed design and planning work has begun and will continue over the summer. Subject to feasbility studies, works are likely to commence in November 2008, aiming for completion in late summer 2009. <br><br>ENDS<br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009