Forum Topic

Re-purposing the Old Town Hall and moving the library

Whatever comes out of this I personally would like to see the aministration and the central library stay in the Ealing Town Centre where it is easily accessbile via public transport from all parts of the borough. If a new development is required for this project I would really like to see a public swimming pool as part of the package replacing the Longfield Baths that were demolished and never replaced.

Neil F. Weber ● 4178d11 Comments

Difficult to judge or make comparisons now as many functions have either been 'outsourced' or have positions filled by FTE staff not on the payroll.

Nigel Brooks ● 4176d

They're all still a direct drain on the public purse however.

Tony Colliver ● 4177d

Many fewer than 10 years ago I shouldn't wonder Graham.Many people who now do the council's bidding are employed by agencies of companies that have won contacts by competitive tender.

Keith Iddon ● 4178d

The idea of a slimmed down administration is one I would welcome but I find it incredible. All government central or local ever does is grow. It would be of interest to know the numbers of LBE employees over the years.

Graham Weeks ● 4178d

Same sort of think is mooted for LBH Civic Centre .When these buildings were acquired or built wasn't it public (our)money that was used? I wonder if we will have a say in how the no doubt massive amount of profit involved is to be spent.PS. Don't you just love words like 're-purposing'? Up there with 'collateral damage' and 'down sizing' as euphemisms.

Keith Iddon ● 4178d

Much more likely that developers will knock down the majority of the Town Hall, leaving the listed facade shored up by dozens of Acros.Eventually, the centre of Ealing will look like a movie set.

Phil Kay ● 4178d

For what its worth Neil, I like very much your idea of a refurbished public pool/baths in Longfield Road.

Gerry Tan ● 4178d

Oh well, ir was a nice idea while it lasted. I guess our future for the centre of Ealing lies in the hands of design pseuds like the ones that came up with the new clock over the old HMV building.

Neil F. Weber ● 4178d

Having been through the hoops of securing a Heritage Lottery Fund grant they do not grant for 'new build' only for restoring existing endangered heritage and then only on a 'matching funding' basis AFAIK.

Nigel Brooks ● 4178d

One can but ask.  Perhaps a Hertitage Lottery Grant to build an architecturally-Victorian pool adjacent to the old site?

Neil F. Weber ● 4178d

Sadly Neil given the land values in central Ealing I don't think we will se a public pool back there.The 'slimmed down' Ealing administration could easily accommodate both the public library and staff offices within Perceval House.

Nigel Brooks ● 4178d