I am writing in response to the article on Medina House on Hove seafront (The Argus, November 11).

Medina means "meeting place" and the house was first built as a Turkish bath. In its later life, it was a makeshift hospital in the Second World War.

The architecture is unique, with stained-glass windows, a grand wooden staircase and a beautifully-carved roof. Unfortunately, the baths were destroyed but the Victorian tiles remain at the back.

When a group of artists took on the building as an art project - with the landlord's consent - the idea was for a space where artists could meet, work and exhibit.

Throughout the past few years, although members have come and gone, reconstruction of the building and removal of much the waste has gradually progressed.

Fly tipping, presumably by local people, contributed to much of the waste in the yard.

On three occasions, the yard was completely cleared, paid for by the inhabitants' own money, with the idea of making a garden.

This spring, it housed a sculpture display, which was a huge success with passers-by.

The collective reinvented itself as the Medina Meta-Media project and put on several open days, displaying art and music to the public, as well as releasing a CD of local music, publishing poetry, setting up a music studio and opening the large living room as workshop.

As with any project, there have been times when it was unsuccessful. Disorganisation has often been our downfall but I have seen many people leave this warm place after positive experiences. The aim has always been to respect and embrace the local community.

I will have a tear in my eye when one of Hove's oldest buildings disappears from the seafront.

-Adam Dench, Hove