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Squatters turn £5m building into art galleries and cinema
Peter Dominiczak19.05.09
Squatters have occupied a £5 million building in central London and turned its 60 rooms into an arts centre with galleries and a cinema.
The 14 squatters took over the six-storey building in Waterloo two weeks ago. The former language school and hostel had been empty since August 2007. Now the squatters, who call themselves The Oubliette art collective, intend to open the vast building to the public as a space to exhibit art, screen films, perform theatre pieces and listen to bands.
In the face of threats that they could be evicted from the premises in a matter of weeks, the collective said today that they have vastly improved the building and deserve to stay.
Dan Simon, 31, who works as a graphic illustrator, said: “Squatters have been talking about this property for a number of months. In two weeks we have built two galleries, a cinema, a theatre and more in what was a rotting, derelict space. Before we arrived, there was fungus everywhere and the place was falling apart. We have damaged nothing and are trying to create an ambitious space for art which will benefit London.”
Mr Simon said the credit crunch has provided squatters in London with many more opportunities, adding: “There are a lot more empty properties. There are a number of properties of a similar size to this one which have been empty for a number of years. It is a tragedy and more of them should be used for projects like this.
“We are trying to give artists and other creative people a space where they can work without the burden of extortionate rents.”
Mr Simon said they have tried to negotiate a deal with the property company responsible for the building which would allow them to stay. He said: “The company, Dover House Property Investments Limited, does not want to negotiate and is going to take us to court.
“I have been a squatter for more than eight years and have previously been in properties for up to three years at a time, but it looks like we may be thrown out in a matter of weeks.” Ed Aves, 23, who studied photo-journalism at the London College of Communication, said this was the first time he had lived in a squat.
He said: “People have an incredibly bad perception of what squats are nowadays. They expect them to be full of junkies but this place is the positive side of squatting.”
Reader views (31)
This project is a sign of our times, where increasing numbers of people are realising that; life is not all about profit and greed, but collaborating in a community without the exchange of money. This is creative power. Authentic, or even experimental community is a basis for transformation and greater equality. One of the more exciting things to happen in London since the 70s'.
- Kybor Carlsen, London, London
there's a free space, there are people with loads of ideas and initiative- this can bring just good!
so stop grumbling and start to inspire :o)
- Falco, wroclaw, poland
Fantastic! We are doing a version of this in Atlanta right on the "sacred" Peachtree Street. We also house 700 homeless men in the building. I WANT TO COME AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
Anita Beaty, Director Metro Atlanta Task Force for the HOmeless
- Anita Beaty, Atlanta, Georgia, US
Please can a like minded group take over the old flea market in
Greenwich opposite the Hotel Ibis. Developers chucked everyone out and locked the place up a few weeks ago, ripping the heart out of the town centre.
- Droffilc, London
This is fantastic! It's projects like this that make art accessible to real people. Free community spaces are vital to our social and personal wellbeing and to a well balanced community. Art should be free and open to all. We're behind you all the way Dan Simon!
- Dulcie, Norwich UK
That's fantastic news! Are there open evenings/days? If so, I'll try to drop by at some stage to watch some films and view the gallery. Do the artists have a blog? I'm happy to list you if so.
http://southeasteleven.blogspot.com/
- Tri Porteur, SE11, UK
Who do these soap-dodging, tax avoiders think they are? From the pictures the art looks rubbish. If it's so good why isn't in the Tate Modern? Because no one wants it, that's why. They should do the decent thing and go back to living in the Home Counties with mummy and daddy.
- Concerned Modern Art Fan, London
Nicolas Smirnoff, London
The building is at the end of Lower Marsh, the Westminster Bridge Road end
- Head, London UK
I have visited the oubliette and found it inspiring. At a time of great uncertainty it is good to see the arts flourish.
I hope Mr Simon and his arts collective can continue with their work.
- David Lewis, London UK
This project is one that needs huge community and council support. They are an amazing and wonderful bunch of people, full of positive ideas. I suggest everyone goes to see for themselves and support them, and overturn previous misconceptions about squatters. In these times of greed and self-interest, it is refreshing to have a group of people out to do something worthwhile for the good of the community, and that is exactly what this is about. It may be unconventional, but what has convention shown us lately?! Please support them.
- Josie, Auckland, new zealand
Dave Coaches of Bath... If I had left my property empty since August 2007 then what squatters did with it wouldn't bother me would it. If a £5m building has been empty for all that time, surely it's a reflection on the ludicrous property prices in London. Squatters do not use already occupied property, therefore not harming any individuals.
- Caryn Woolcock, West Wickham, UK
I visited the site last week and was hugely impressed by what these people had done to the building.It had been cleaned and painted,with art studios in mind.An area for a cinema and much much more.I was inspired by the energy and enthauasism of the group that are squatting here.They deserve to be able to fulfil their ideals and use the space to its full potential.We can encourage and help them realise their dreams in a building that had been left for no use.
- Hilary Simon, london
I am in full support of artists and other creative people making use of vacant space, such as this, in a city that has priced them out of so many areas. They demonstrate a commendable level of initiative and committment to their beliefs in putting so much effort into restoring abandoned, derelict buildings and giving them a meaningful purpose. In doing so, not only are they making homes for themselves but they are providing a vitally important creative centre for the local community.
I wish these artists the best of luck in achieving a permanent base for their endeavours. I think it's extraordinary what they've achieved in only two weeks; imagine what they could transform this place into given longer?
I hope this project helps to change people's perceptions and realise that squatters are not all marauding anarcharists. Some are wonderfully inspired idealists, continuing in the long established artistic tradition of nonconformism as a means of challenging convention and promoting new forms of expression. Bravo to The Oubliette!
- Natalie Thomas, London
I support the idea completely, it's fantastic that group of people can animate the buliding in way like that and provide local society with artistic events! There's a palce in Wroclaw called CRK (Centrum Reanimacji Kultury / Centre of culture resuscitation) which used to be squat but the number of cultural events caused that is rightfull, local government and local society approve it!
I wish the waterloo squat initiators the same!!!
- Magda, Wroclaw, Poland
This shows great intiative and I am impressed when I see what can be done with a derelict and rotten building. Surely the owners must see some potential way of benefiting now which would be good for them and for the squatters? Or am I too idealistic?
- Adam, Weybridge, UK
This is fantastic. I know this building as everytime I've gone past there I've wondered how such a large building in such a location could be allowed to just 'sit' un-used. These guys have brought life into what was dead and they should be commended for it. If the owners have no plans for the building then the squatters should stay. In fact I believe there is a law whereby councils can seize un-used building after a year isn't there?
- Steve Ryan, London
Traditionally the spaces for artists and creatives exclude a wealth of people usually relating to financial status. This space is a result of a fundamental lack of support from within the Arts establishment for young artists in London. That they have appropriated their own space is a testament to human spirit and endeavor.
That the space is open to the public highlights the fact that the potential benefit of this building and space is not being realised. They should be applauded for their efforts. Long live the British Artistic Spirit!
- Johnny Lais, London
The extraction of iron from its ore into a workable metal is much more difficult. It appears to have been invented by the Hittites in about 1200 B.C., beginning the Iron Age. The secret of extracting and working iron was a key factor in the success of the Philistines.
Historical developments in ferrous metallurgy can be found in a wide variety of past cultures and civilizations. This includes the ancient and medieval kingdoms and empires of the Middle East and Near East, ancient Egypt and Anatolia (Turkey), Carthage, the Greeks and Romans of ancient Europe, medieval Europe, ancient and medieval China, ancient and medieval India, ancient and medieval Japan, etc.
- Nigel Kobra, Graz, Austria
Inspirational, amasing, good work, communal spirit? These people have just helped themselves to somebody's property! Where do we draw the line or is it all becomng a free for all? If so am first in line for the next empty mansion in Knightsbridge, thanks. I will make it very pretty and inspirational, I promise.
- Fanfan La Tulipe, London
Where is it exactly in Waterloo?
- Nicolas Smirnoff, London
This what happens when the Arts are neglected and suffer from insufficient funding, well done to the artists involved, youve gotta crack a few eggs to make an omlette
- Rich Ward, Up North
I wonder how 'Caryn Woolcock, west wickham, uk' would feel if she returned to her house - found that the locks have been changed, someone is living in her house, and they have redecorated?
The people living there then claim to be 'improving' the building, by turning it into a cinema and art centre?
and one final point > if you can't pay the bills from the income you make on your art - it could be assumed that you are not very good! and you should probably get a job doing something else.
- Dave Coaches, Bath
Some call it art - I call it vandalism. I believe that's what defacing another person's property is termed?
I'm quite sure these "artists" won't be picking up the cost of redecoration, once they've been moved on their way.
- Jock, London
P Staker implies that squatters are not honest, hardworking citizens. They may not do a 9-5 but how many people would give up days and weeks of their time dedicated to a project that doesn't benefit them financially? This achieves what some might appreciate as broader community and societal aspirations.
- Rachel Fletcher, London
I think this is a fantastic use of initiative and space.
It allows artists and those interested to share a passion. This does not affect or offend anyone outside of the building, and surely can only improve the empty space. Not all squatters fulfil the bad image associated with them, and I believe you can only judge on personal experience. Carry on the good work.
- Caryn Woolcock, West Wickham, UK
I think it looks amazing and is inspirational. Why would there be anything wrong with it?I for one, think it is bold, exciting and am incredibly proud of the people who have worked hard to achieve this. Communal spirit!
- Yugga Bonbo, UK
Squatting gets so much bad press that it's great to see something positive. Squatting has developed incredibly negative connotations whereas, just like this example proves, it is extremely unfair to have preconceived notions about squatters that the popular press usually love to sustain. Great project guys!
- Meghna Nayak, London
Greg you look very shocked and a little scared by the presence of the photgrapher - are you alright?
Your house looks lovely, your very inspirational can I come stay?
- Eppie Mahon, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
They are squatters and should be dragged out of the place, kicking and screaming if need be, as they do in Spain.
Why don't they pay for premises like honest, truly hardworking peopl have to?
Oh and I do hope they are getting charged council tax, prefeably business rates as well.
- P Staker, London
I agree wholeheartedly with the use of this otherwise wasted space for creative pursuits and a community venue. These squatters work hard to make places like this inhabitable and useful - it could be the Tachles of London and I hope they are allowed to stay and pursue what most of us don't have the will or bravery to do.
- Rachel Fletcher, London
Why aren't these empty properties converted into "hostels" for our MPs to use when they are in London. This would alleviate the need for them to thieve from the tax payer to buy "second homes" in the capital.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
