Squatters of London-Come to Newham.

Newham Council seems to have a soft spot for ‘squatters ‘ and ‘artists’ . So much so that they are providing free space and accommodation in some of the borough’s most attractive historical buildings.

In June 2019 around 20 squatters gained access to the Passmore Edwards building on Plashet Grove. This had formerly been both a library and a registry office. A ‘diverse groups of artists, students and workers from many areas of the globe' took possession of the building.

Down in Silvertown, the former institute for the workers at Tate and Lyle was taken over by yet more ‘artists and squatters’ in 2016. The previous administration did get a court order to evict them, we are endeavouring to find out if it was ever enforced.

If they were evicted, they have come back. In early October 2020 residents were disturbed by sounds of a rave in the Tate Institute.  Far from the idyllic arts and community venue the first squatters had promised, residents called the police because of anti-social and violent behaviour on the streets outside. According to The Recorder “after arriving, officers heard loud music blaring from the disused venue which is yards away from Drew Primary School and opposite Tate & Lyle’s sugar refinery saw more than 150 people crammed inside a hazardous, dirty hall.”

We do not know how much reclaiming the properties has cost, nor what the cost of repairs will be. Nor do we know how much they would raise for the cash-strapped council if they were let commercially. But we intend to find out.

Less words. More action needed.