Martin Redston's application for Town Square status to be given to the
space between Willesden Green Library Centre and the original 1894 library
building actually fits in with what Brent Council wanted when they
planned the 1980's redevelopment of Willesden Green Library.
In a document produced by Brent's Development Department (the forerunner
of the present "Regeneration and Major Projects") in December 1983, an
annotated plan of the site stated: 'The Council intend to preserve the little
building on the corner with its turret and decoration - the wings behind are
later additions, and these will be removed to provide some much-needed
open space.'
Some councillors wanted to save money on the project, and demolish the
whole of the old (Victorian) Willesden Green Library, replacing it with a public square
which would run from the new Library Centre right down to the High Road. In a
Council debate, reported in the "Kilburn Times" on 20 April 1984, Councillor
Len Snow said that this 'would be a sad mistake', leaving 'a gap here, which
will be open to wind and traffic noise'. He went on to say: 'If the square was
protected by an interesting frontage it would be a haven of peace and on a
sunny day a delight to sit in.'
Len Snow's view, and that of like-minded Councillors, eventually
prevailed, giving Willesden Green the public square that local people have
enjoyed for more than 25 years, and still enjoy.
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