The £16m project to restore the north London town hall includes a public performance space and private housing

Architect John McAslan + Partners has revealed designs for an art-house cinema and 400-seat conference space at a former town hall in Crouch End, London.

The plans for the Grade II-listed Hornsey Town Hall also include the restoration of the Council Chamber, as well as the creation of a studio, public bar and courtyard space.

The £16m scheme will be partly paid for by developing housing in and around the town hall. The remaining £6m will be met through grants, sponsorship and general fund-raising.

The three-phase project is expected to go to planning in October 2009 with work due to start on site in early 2010. Completion is expected in 2012.

The architect compared the project to its transformation of the nearby Camden Roundhouse performance space.

John McAslan said: “We hope that the transformation of Reginald Uren’s magnificent Hornsey Town Hall will help to inspire the local community in Crouch End and beyond, in much the same way the Roundhouse music and performance venue has helped to rejuvenate the Camden area."