Plans to breathe new life into an unused community centre are coming to fruition slower than expected, according to Labour councillors who are pushing for action.

East Finchley councillors sat down with Barnet Council Chief Executive John Hooton and Labour group leader Cllr Barry Rawlings to lay out concerns they had about the “stalled” progress on the Old Barn centre in Tarling Road.

The councillors felt despite plans for a new “community hub” being announced by the council in April this year, and several previous attempts to revive the centre over the years, they had not seen any significant progress themselves.

Labour councillors asked for more community collaboration from the council as it formulates plans, as well as reducing the proposed rent below market prices to avoid putting off community groups.

Cllr Alison Moore said: “It was helpful to meet Mr Hooton, as we feel progress on the project has been dragging.

“The council has trumpeted this as a successful capital project, but if we don't get this much anticipated community building right, the council runs the risk of alienating local residents.”

READ MORE: Charity Commission investigates Old Barn Community Centre in East Finchley

Numerous staffing changes at the council had not helped progress with plans, according to Cllr Alon or-Bach, who said he was disappointed some of Labour’s favoured groups had not been considered to lease the building.

The council was criticised by Labour for ignoring the needs of the Somali Bravanese welfare association who had been promised space at the new hub after a fire destroyed their base in Coppetts Road three years ago.

In response the council has made clear they will be housing the association in the new centre.

For years, the campaign to revive the Old Barn was upheld by the Old Barn action group, however in a statement on their Facebook page this June it was made clear the group is “no more”.

According to Cllr Dan Thomas, deputy leader of the council, the scheme received planning consent in April and a building contractor is in place.

Work has already gone into engaging with community groups interested in using the new centre and those who may wish to manage the new community hub.

Six “engagement events” were held, including one in 2015 which brought together 11 community groups which have expressed an interest in the centre.

Cllr Thomas said: “A great deal of work has gone into the project to build the Tarling Road community hub to make sure the new centre works for everyone, and we are still on track for work to begin on site early next year.

“In line with the council’s community asset strategy, we will discount rent for leaseholders which provide a community benefit.”

The rent levels will be calculated in proportion to the amount of community benefit a group can offer.

A final decision on the appointment of a management organisation will be made by committee and the council pledges to continue to involve ward members as the project progresses.