Last night (12 November 2024) Haringey’s Cabinet backed the award of the main build contract for a major expansion and refurbishment of the Civic Centre that will also benefit council staff.
The scheme will deliver a new annex, high-quality offices, and restored civic spaces which will be shared with the community in the heart of Wood Green. The revamp and major restoration of the Grade II listed building will also prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly design.
Restoring the treasured landmark is the best value option for the council’s accommodation needs. It also provides opportunities to make alternative use of the council’s existing buildings in Wood Green as part of continued investment in the borough.
The redevelopment will create a welcoming and vibrant space for residents and staff, while celebrating the character and rich local history in the building.
Accommodating more than 800 council staff and 100s of visitors, with space for local people and community groups, the new Civic Centre will be a source of civic pride in the borough.
Cllr Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy, said:
Steeped in a proud and important local history, this truly iconic building holds a special place in the hearts of many people.
This is really an exciting step forward for this project which will re-establish the Civic Centre as the focal point for public life at the very heart of our borough.
Residents will understandably ask whether the council can afford to continue with this project given the funding challenges it faces. The business case, which we have continually retested, makes it clear this scheme offers the best value for money of all the options available.
Doing nothing is not an option and even that, given our responsibility to the listed building, would cost millions and not bring the site back into civic use.
We will continue to heavily involve residents as the scheme moves forward with a dedicated online hub developed to enable them to monitor progress and take part in future engagement opportunities.
The project has received positive feedback from residents, who have already taken part in multiple engagement events.
Councillors have also played a major part in the design including key democratic areas such as the council chamber through the cross-party Civic Centre Members Forum.
The Civic Centre, which was listed by English Heritage in 2018, has a played a significant role in the history of the borough since it opened its doors in 1958.
The many legendary names to grace the building include Bernie Grant, the first-ever black leader of a local authority in Europe, and George Michael who visited to help promote the thalassemia campaign and his Cypriot roots as this illness disproportionately affects this community.
The project was approved by the council’s Planning Sub-Committee in September 2023.
