The future community use of Ealing Town Hall is only guaranteed for 5 years according to a report to Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, according to Conservative opposition Councillors. This follows the decision of the Labour Administration to lease the building for 250 years to a hotel group.
Councillor Anthony Young, Shadow Group Leader said:
“This is a major loss of a community asset; an asset that was built by public subscription. For Labour to say otherwise is disingenuous.
There has been no public consultation on a loss a major public asset. The Town Hall is an iconic building in the heart of Ealing and for the large portion of it to be lost to ten generations is incomprehensible.
Many community groups, especially the elderly, use the Town Hall and they will now be priced out if not immediately, then for sure in 5 years after which the price cap will cease to apply. Furthermore, the cap only applies to off-peak hire and the coveted weekend hire will be out of the reach of most community groups.
The Labour Administration has sold Ealing’s crown jewels.”