The day has finally arrived when a huge mancave built in a back garden by millionaire Graham Wildin is being torn down.

The mancave, covering 10,000 square feet and complete with a cinema, bowling alley, casino, bar, soft play area, multi-storey dollhouse, and indoor tennis and badminton courts, will be no more when contractors finish pulling it down brick by brick.

Millionaire Says Demolition Is ‘Fair’

Mr Wildin made one single comment as he stood in front of contractors, press, and onlookers at his home on Meendhurst Road in Gloucester: “It’s fair,” he said, and then disappeared into his mansion as the contractors moved in to begin the demolition.

Relief for Residents as Mancave Comes Down

It comes as a relief to some of the millionaire’s neighbours who have been blighted by the building and a fleet of luxury cars Mr Wildin has been parking outside their homes for years.

The millionaire has defied numerous court orders and spent time in jail as a result, but now the council have secured the demolition order, which is set to restore the area back to some form of normality for residents. 

Mr Wildin’s fleet of cars will also have to be rehomed and parked away from neighbouring properties after another court ruling.

Residents Critical of Mr Wildin’s Behaviour

The millionaire has been criticised by residents for his selfish behaviour, which saw people unable to park outside their own homes as Mr Wildin’s luxury cars, including a Bentley, were taking up all the parking spaces. Some neighbours had to look out on the enormous complex from the windows of their homes describing it as the ‘Berlin Wall’.

Council Wants to Recover Costs for Demolition

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said: "As a council, it is our duty to ensure that planning and development proposals comply with the law and bring benefit to the local area, whilst also safeguarding the community.

"Hundreds of people every year follow the correct process for planning applications and development; sadly, this has not been the case at this location.

"It is important to note that the cost of this process should not be borne by the taxpayer, and we will look to recover the full cost of the demolition from the landowner in due course.

"We will work closely with our demolition contractor to limit any disruption for residents. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people living near this property for their patience during this lengthy legal process."