Years of neglect have turned Grade II listed building into ‘ugly eyesore’

A campaign to restore the historic Gunnersbury Stables has been launched by local resident William Hardman.

He writes “These important buildings have been covered in scaffolding for very many years. As a result they appear to be an ugly eyesore rather than a beautiful asset. In fact deterioration is continuing even though the stables are Grade II listed buildings that the local authority is required to protect. They were designed by the Victorian Neo-Classical Architect Sidney Smirke (1796-1864) who was also responsible for the round reading room at the British Museum.

“Historic buildings like these are a precious and finite asset, and powerful reminders to us of the work and way of life of earlier generations. The richness of this country’s architectural heritage plays an influential part in our sense of national and regional identity. These Stables have been listed for many years and as Grade II* means that are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Only 4% of listed buildings are considered of this level of importance.

“Over the last 20 + years more than 33 proposals for the buildings have been considered and rejected by the authorities. During this period they have continued to deteriorate.”
Hardman has launched an online petition and is encouraging interested parties to register their support for the restoration project.

To register your support for the campaign or for more information about the history, past and possible future of the stables see www.gunnersburystables.com

January 16, 2008