Songwriter David Gray is facing the wrath of Crouch Hill residents after unveiling plans to convert the area’s legendary Church Studios into flats and offices.
Gray purchased the studio – which has enjoyed visits from the likes of Bob Dylan, Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine over the years – from the Eurythmics‘ Dave Stewart in 2003, but has now said the ‘the current upheaval in the music business’ makes a change of use for the venue unavoidable.
“Having owned and enjoyed the church for nearly 10 years, it is time to move on,” a representative of Gray has said. “David would be delighted to sell The Church Studios but given the current upheaval in the music business and the repercussions on commercial recording studios, it is only prudent to explore other avenues, including redevelopment.”
However, Sue Hessel, chairman of Haslemere Road Residents’ Association, has told the Hornsey Journal:
“This is so sad. Crouch End has enough flats. Crouch End’s music heritage is what makes it such a special place to live. Turning such a culturally rich building into flats is not in the spirit of Crouch End.”