CONSTRUCTION of a community centre complex in a Woodford Green park is nearing completion – despite the building being over-budget, delayed and condemned as “ugly” by some residents.

Redbridge Council hope that the James Leal Centre, in Ray Lodge Park, will be a fitting replacement for the historic Ray Lodge house, which used to occupy the site until it was burnt down nearly five years ago in a suspected arson attack.

But some critics have condemned the new structure as an “eyesore” and have slammed the council for altering its original plans for the building.

Anne Spacey, of nearby Hillside Road, walks her dog in the park on a regular basis.

She said: “The original design they showed us looked pretty modern but it wasn't horrendous. But now the building is nothing like the plans they showed us, it looks like an ugly, cheap B and Q warehouse.

“I meet a lot of dog walkers in the park and not one person I've met likes it. It's a beautiful green park but the building is an ugly orange colour. The original plans showed a building with a nice glass front, but now they've got these ugly metal shutters that look like corrugated iron.”

The council has admitted changing the original plans for the building, but said its officers were meeting with residents to address their concerns.

A council spokeswoman said: “There have been minor amendments to the plans for the building since the drawings were originally submitted which mainly refer to change of material for security reasons.

“The original plans did display orange structures and these plans would have been subject to the normal planning consultation procedures when the application was submitted.”

It comes after the Guardian revealed in March how the £1.37 million building was £250,000 over budget. It was also due to originally open in July.

Meanwhile the council is also looking for a business to let a 24-seat cafe in the complex from August.