ANOPEN-AIR community space to replace Dollis Hill House has been met with disapproval by those who campaigned to save the listed building.

Brent Council has revealed an artists’ impression of the venue to replace the 19th Century former residence of prime minister William Gladstone and author Mark Twain, which is being demolished following approval by Eric Pickles, secretary of state for communities and local government.

EnglishHeritage has approved the plans for the garden-style tribute in Gladstone Park that includes a memorial to the house and a performance space for community use, on a historical backdrop to include reclaimed brickwork and a window from the delapidated building.

The project is being billed as a ‘lasting legacy’ by the council, but campaigners said they are unhappy with the outcome.

MartinRedston, of the Dollis Hill House Trust which campaigned for the building to be restored as an arts centre and cafe, said he spoke both as a member of the trust and a taxpaying Brent resident when he told The Observer: “I deplore the fact that they are demolishing it.

“Iregret that they did not seem to work with the community on this, and I am appalled that they do not see a need for an arts community centre in the south of the borough.”

TrusteePatricia French, who started campaigning to save Dollis Hill House in the 1980s, said: “It’s not necessary to have another garden, we already have [the walled garden] nearby. ”

Thehouse was closed in 1994, and has since been subjected to four arson attacks. The council said it tried unsuccessfully to secure a viable future for the house and it was ‘costly to maintain’.

BrentCouncil lead member for environment and neighbourhood services, James Powney said: “We have always been mindful of Dollis Hill House’s history and I am happy there will be a lasting legacy to honour it. Currently the building is unsightly and costly to maintain. Next spring, for the first time in nearly two decades the site will once again be available for public use.”

The demolition, which started last week, is expected to be complete by the end of January.

What do you think about the new plans? Email jessicathompson@trinitysouth.co.uk or call 07795 666 587.