Camden News: Hampstead Town Hall | Celia Greenwood | Haverstock Hill

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Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 4 December 2008

New chief unveils battle plan for Hampstead Town Hall

HAMPSTEAD Town Hall cannot fulfil its role as the area’s premier cultural centre until it raises more cash and stops running at less than half its full capacity, its new chief executive acknowledged this week.
With only 40 per cent of the historic centre’s space being used, new charity chief Celia Greenwood said the town hall’s trustees have launched a battle plan to improve its role in Hampstead and offer better opportunities for young people.
“Currently we have a waiting list of 12,000 youngsters who want to come on our courses. They are always over-subscribed. If we maximise the use of our asset, the building itself, then we could increase places,” said Ms Greenwood, who has been involved with the Weekend Arts College based at the Haverstock Hill building since 1978.
Ms Greenwood’s announcement follows two turbulent years at the town hall, which saw former chief executive Alan Tomkins and other trustees of the charity fall out with the Friends of the Hampstead Town Hall over management style and the direction the charity was taking.
Ms Greenwood said bringing in new groups could boost the use of the building from 40 to 70 per cent occupancy over five years. She said: “We need to take it up to a level, and make sure we make the most of this wonderful asset. We are currently considering how we can perhaps change its lay-out and bring people in.”
The annual meeting on Thursday heard the charity has a turnover of around £2million a year.
Ms Greenwood, who took over as chief executive in July, said: “We are looking to attract organisations to make this the cultural hub of the community.”

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