Fundraiser Launched for Hornsey Library Square bench

Cllr Luke Cawley-Harrison, Liberal Democrat councillor for Crouch End, has launched a joint crowdfunding appeal with the organising team of the Crouch End Festival, for an additional (third) bench to be located in the newly renovated Hornsey Library Square.
 
Original plans for the addition of three new benches in the square as part of the 2023 renovation project had to be curtailed as the project budget was swallowed up by unexpected additional restoration costs, but two benches were added in October thanks to funding by the Crouch End Neighbourhood Forum, and this crowdfunder would provide the final planned bench. The fundraising goal is £850, which would pay for procurement, delivery and installation.
 
After years of lack of maintenance and investment in the square and fountain including the iconic bronze fountain statue, as well as significant damage caused when the area was used as a construction site office during the internal renovation of Hornsey Library, a group consisting of Mark Afford (Crouch End Neighbourhood Forum), Amanda Carrara (Crouch End Festival), Luke Cawley-Harrison (Lib Dem ward councillor for Crouch End), Julie Trew (Friends of the Zen) and David Winskill (Friends of Hornsey Library), worked with Haringey Council from 2020-23 to secure funding and then carry out the renovation of the space around the library and the upgrade of Hornsey Library Fountain.
 
This has transformed the space around the library into a new destination area for Crouch End, with newly planted flowerbeds and trees, a water and light fountain show, and calm and relaxed seating. Installing the third bench would complete the project as it was originally envisioned.
 
Cllr Luke Cawley-Harrison (LD-Crouch End), said:
“I am really pleased to confirm that the Crouch End Festival team and I are running a joint crowdfunding appeal to raise the funds for an additional (third) bench to be located in the newly renovated Hornsey Library Square for the whole community to sit on and enjoy.

“We would love it if members of the local community felt able to contribute any amount to our crowdfunder so we can hopefully get the bench in place for the summer, but if you are unable to do so financially, please do share the link with others so we can invite as many people as possible to contribute!”

Amanda Carrara (Crouch End Festival) added:
"Crouch End Festival proudly supports bench sitting at the festival and anytime. We all like a bit of a sit down with a view.  But we need more benches. Invest in your seat, you know it makes sense!"