Campaigners are fighting to stop the historic farmhouse a suffragette lived in from being bulldozed so they can turn it into a “living entity”.

Clitterhouse Farm, in Claremont Road, Cricklewood, is facing an uncertain future after it was earmarked for development under the Brent Cross Regeneration Project.

The farmhouse can be traced back to before the 16th century, when it had a moat, but in the late 19th century and early 20th century it was home to “feisty” suffragette Gladice Keevil.

Although the farmhouse has been sold off, the remaining Victorian outbuildings have been leased to a tool company for three years – but there is uncertainty as to what might happen to them next.

Developers Hammerson & Standard Life have previously said they would be open to suggestions about what to do with the building, although nothing has been confirmed.

However, the Clitterhouse Farm Project was formed by a group of people determined to turn it into a community hub.

Project member Paulette Singer said: “I would be heartbroken if our campaign failed. It’s one of the only pieces of history Barnet has left and we feel it’s important to preserve that.

“We want to keep it for alive. When you come down here, you realise it’s got an energy of its own. We could really turn it into a living entity.”

Over the years, the building has been used as a tuck shop and changing rooms for Barnet Football Club.

The group also hopes to open the orchard next to the building as well as opening a coffee shop or tea room for park visitors.

It has recently been awarded a £10,000 grant from the social investment bank to help kick-start the project.

Alistair Lambert, who lives in Brent Terrace, said: “It’s a fascinating building and it’s so nice to have some connection to a great part of history in this park.

“It’s survived through so much, which is what makes it so special.”

The building, which was previously owned by St Bartholomew's Hospital, in central London, has been deemed structurally sound by a surveyor.

Gladice Keevil, an artist, lived in the farm from 1884 to 1913. In 1908 she was famously arrested with suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst for protesting outside the House of Commons.

On her release she went on to become a national organiser for the suffragettes in the Midlands.

Thomas Ball, of Clitterhouse Road, said: “It makes sense to open it to the community given the rich history it’s got.

“Gladice was a passionate activist and the things we’ve uncovered as part of this campaign have been incredible.”

The group is now holding a range of open days to spread the word about its campaign, which has been supported by Conservative councillors Dean Cohen and Reuben Thompstone.

The next open day will be held at the park on October 11 from 11am to 4pm.

A statement from Barnet Borough Council: “We are aware of the enthusiasm of the local community to retain the farm buildings, and are pleased that the development partners are working alongside the community group to see if a plan can be put together for retaining the buildings in future.”