Madeleine Holt and Tim Longfoot

A SCHOOL is seeking to raise over £1million to restore the assembly hall to its former “Brutalist glory.”

Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park has this week unveiled plans to upgrade its distinctive hexagonal assembly building into a “Hall for All” that will be open both to students and the community.

Out of school hours, local people will be able to hire the hall at reduced rates.

“There really isn’t a multi-use performance and arts space in this particular neck of the woods,” said school governor Madeleine Holt.

Designed by the architects who went on to devise the Young Vic Theatre in the 1960s, the Grade II-listed building numbers one of the “very few Brutalist state schools left, because most of them were knocked down pre-2010”, Ms Holt said.

Picture supplied by Acland Burghley School

For this reason the school will also house the Museum of Brutalist Architecture, hosting a series of exhibitions on the history of Brutalism.

“The building was always conceived of as a space that would also be for the community, which is why it was set apart,” Ms Holt said. In previous years the hall has served as a community performance space, a youth club and an adult learning centre out of school hours.

“It was amazing, and we want to take it back to its glory days and update it,” trustee Tim Longfoot said.

“It’s been designed so that voices travel. But over the years holes have been cut in the walls which means the acoustics don’t work.

“The alterations, although well-meaning, have actually had an impact on the ability to be the performance space it once was.

“The damage that’s been done is easy to repair if we have the money.”

As well as seeking volunteers to help out, the school is also looking to hire a manager who will oversee the project.

The plans, which have been approved by Camden Council, will see the building fitted with a new eco-friendly ventilation system as well as new staging equipment and seating for 300 people.

The project has been given initial funding by the National Lottery, but the school needs to raise a further £1.3m in the next year.

“It’s a huge challenge, but the amount of support and energy that we’ve had whenever we talk about this project makes us think we are absolutely going to get this,” Mr Longfoot said.

The school is hoping to raise the money from small community events, along with money from foundations and individuals.

“Everyone can play their part in this, whether it’s £5 that will pay for a light bulb or £50,000 that would pay for the music equipment,” Mr Longfoot said.

l For more info, visit https://www.aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk/hallforall