Residents to hold meeting on how to reopen playhouse

A group of residents are campaigning for a popular theatre, which has been lying derelict for more than 30 years, to be reborn.

The Roundwood Group (TRG) are fighting for the dilapidated summer theatre in Roundwood Park on Harlesden Road, Harlesden, to be put to good use.

The group are holding a consultation meeting with residents this Saturday (17).

The theatre, which hosted open air performances, operated for more than 20 years from 1959 until its closure in 1979 and has remained unused ever since.

Sandra Scott, deputy chairwoman of TRG expressed the need for the site to be redeveloped.

She said: “The area where the theatre used to be has become wild, overgrown and it isn’t looked after properly.

“Bringing the theatre back would be a brilliant way of attracting attention to the park again.”

Miss Scott said: “All the feedback we have received so far suggests that local residents are in favour of seeing it return and many older residents have fond memories of it.

“There are so many options, it could be used as an outdoor cinema or for hosting plays again, the opportunities are endless.”

The group are working alongside Brent Council and community organisation Groundwork in the hope of finding funding.

However, the council have announced they do not plan to fund the scheme, stating that any re-development would need to come from outside funding.

The meeting will take place at the disused threat at 11am.