THE future of a Palmers Green landmark is in doubt again after the Government withdrew funds for its restoration.
Nearly £6m had been promised to bring Grade II* listed Broomfield House back to its former glory and a sheltered housing complex.
However, a Government spending review has axed the old scheme, it has emerged, and a fresh bid for funds must now be put forward.
In a letter from Mayor of London Boris Johnson to London assembly member for Enfield and Haringey Joanne McCartney, it was revealed that previously “guaranteed” money was no longer available.
He wrote: “The national programme which funded Broomfield House, Private Sector Renewal, was not renewed as part of the spending review.
“However, I am lobbying for a share of the £100m the government has allocated nationally to bring empty homes back into use, and if we are successful, Broomfield House will certainly be considered for funding from this fund.”
The news will come as a disappointment to residents and friends of the park who have lobbied for years for money to restore the iconic former stately home.
Ms McCartney said she was “extremely disappointed” with the news, having got a commitment from Mr Johnson in December last year that the funding was still secure.
She added: “Locally we had been delighted that this historic building would be restored and so this news has come as a great shock to us.”
Enfield Council was confident as recently as May that the funds were still due to arrive, as Mr Johnson has already handed out £500,000 for plans to be prepared for the restoration project.
David Burrowes, Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, who had campaigned hard for funding for the scheme, said he has been given assurances that the main parties remain committed to the Broomfield House restoration.
He said: “I have been reassured that the same commitment is there from Boris, but there is now a different funding stream for Broomfield House.
“I am hopeful that the allocation will come through, and we need continued commitment from the council to make sure we get the money.”
It remains unclear whether any future funding will be at the same level as before, or if the council will have to contribute some of the money itself.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here