It is time “get the ball rolling” on the development of Hornsey Town Hall, a councillor has said.

Councillor Alan Strickland, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said he was keen to press ahead with plans to turn the former council building into a theatre school.

Under current plans, the building would be taken over by Mountview Academy, but a review of the project has revealed a funding gap.

Cllr Strickland said it would be good to see the town hall used as “a creative hub of the academy” and that it was now time to “get the ball rolling” by setting up a meeting with Mountview.

He added that he was aware of the “strong public interest” in the building.

A report shown to the cabinet last week suggests options available if the Mountview plan cannot go ahead.

Ideas include relocating Hornsey Library to the town hall, or turning it into a series of business units.

The council will produce another report on the building in the autumn.