Stoke Newington Town Hall ‘left rotting’ and leaking

Deteriorating: Stoke Newington Town Hall needs remedial work. Photograph: Fin Fahey

Repairs to the “significantly damaged” Stoke Newington Town Hall are needed, according to surveyors, despite £8 million having been spent on major restoration works in 2009.

A damning report by Arcadis, surveyors instructed by Hackney Council, highlights a “number of issues” plaguing the grade-II listed building, a popular wedding venue.

Nick Perry from campaign group the Hackney Society said: “We’re pleased to see Hackney Council bringing maintenance up to scratch at Stoke Newington Town Hall – but wonder why it wasn’t part of the 2009 restoration, and what might have been left rotting in the interim.”

Proposals for extensive remedial works on the roof, the facade and the interior are currently being looked at by the council’s planning department.

Surveyors identified cracks in walls, damage to the roof, rotting windows, plant growth, blockages and missing bricks.

The consequent leaks have caused “significant internal damage” all the way down to the ground floor of the three-storey building.

The report cites the age of the building, which was completed in 1937, as being partially responsible for some of the deterioration and defects.

But it states: “The various issues have been compounded by a lack of regular maintenance which has allowed defects and deterioration to continue and develop.”

Hackney Council was approached for comment and had not responded at time of publication.