Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

artists studios - Old Firestation on Conway Road

I have had my eye on the old fire station building (now called Coombes Croft) on Conway Road as a brilliant site for artists studios for about 8 years now.

The downstairs portion of the building is unused and boarded up (with one space used for bin storage for the flats above).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to who to contact at Homes for Haringey (who now own/manage the property) to enquire about the possibilities of using the space?

Would anyone else be interested in rentable spaces for artists/crafts people in the area if we could get the council on side for a project like this?

I have no idea how to go about setting something like this up but think the local area needs more provision for artists so any advice welcome.

Thanks

Vanessa

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on November 25, 2011 at 12:32

If this one doesn't work out for you, have you explored the area just to the south of Sainsbury's? I think it's pretty chokka with studios and the like.

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Permalink Reply by Steve McCarthy on December 4, 2011 at 18:33

I heard that Robert Elms article too. How do you know it was that fire station?

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Permalink Reply by linka on December 4, 2011 at 23:22

If you look east on Google Maps streetview from the corner of Conway Road and Woodlands Park Road, you can see that the building at the bend ahead of you is the same one that is shown in the photograph accompanying the article (the link above).

I caught the radio doc too; a fascinating history for that building.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on December 5, 2011 at 1:30

Steve - see here.

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Permalink Reply by 2x9w50y3ubk9m on November 26, 2011 at 0:52

If you'd like some advice about this, you could meet with us. Collage Arts is the arts development charity that set up and continue to run the Chocolate Factory in Wood Green (home to over 200 artists and creative businesses). The Chocolate Factory is a sustainable model and Collage Arts has significant experience in how to convert derelict builidngs into workable spaces and studios as well as raising the capital needed. Our website is www.collage-arts.org and contact details 020 8365 7500 / info@collage-arts.org .

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Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on December 5, 2011 at 0:07

Hi Rolfy

Coombes Croft - the old fire station in Conway Road - is in my ward. I agree with you, it is a lovely building and I brought it up with Homes for Haringey several months ago. Last time I looked the ground floor area was used for the bins but that might have changed. I definitely think this building should be restored and have said this to Homes for Haringey.

I can see why you think the ground floor would make good artists' space but I can't see that happening in the immediate or even near future. But Haringey is full of industrial estates - many owned by the Council - so you might want to check them out. You can find out what's available by contacting Haringey Property Services on 0208 489 0000. Also, do you know about the artists' studios on Markfield Road N15. There are about 60 altogether. See details below.