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Putting people into London's empties

15.04.2008 14:02 | 2008 Days Of Action For Autonomous Spaces | Free Spaces | History | Social Struggles | London

As part of days of action for squats and autonomous space a squatters estate agents was been set up in a newly opened squat in the centre of London. It consisted of display of eighteen empty properties ranging from abandoned houses and flats, to empty pubs, shops and even government buildings. Some would suit small residential squats and others grand large scale housing communities, squat cafes, freeshops or social centres. Along with photos of each property, details were given about their location, history and suitability for squatting.

Squatters Estate Agents, putting people places
Squatters Estate Agents, putting people places

Map aids London Squatter
Map aids London Squatter

Checking out the properties available in the squatters estate agency
Checking out the properties available in the squatters estate agency

... the entrance area ...
... the entrance area ...

... with the Squatters Estate Agents ...
... with the Squatters Estate Agents ...


A flip chart next to the display quickly filled with additional suggestions for possible future squats and a long list of people seeking other people to squat with. We don't know yet but people did arrange to meet and it seems likely that new homes have or will be created as a result of the project.

The display boards were also on display at other autonomous spaces over the weekend, including the Hackney Social Centre.

Lots of people seemed to really appreciate the idea and it worked on multiple levels. Not only did it provide a practical and up to date list of a few possible places people might go off and squat but it also showed how many properties sit empty for years doing nothing while properties developers wait to cash in. It also started to present and document bits of recent squat history.

It's now planned to continue and maintain the project, adding more properties and arranging specific estate agents open days when people can meet up to go view properties together. The next opportunity will be the Days of Action follow up on Saturday 19th April from 2pm till 4pm at the Bowl Court Squat in Shoreditch.

If you'd like to contribute to the project or have a copy of the display for your put up at your space then contact the.rampart AT gmail DOT com . Feel free to send in photos and details of any empties you know of.

Additions

Four reclaimed spaces

23.04.2008 16:04


Warning: your home is at risk if you do not keep up your occupation at all times and replace any existing locks secured on it.
For information and advice visit the Advisory Service for Squatters. 84b, Whitechapel High St, 020 3216 0099  http://squatter.org.uk/

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Comments

Display the following 13 comments

  1. What about an online version? — cyber
  2. Yes please — Ben
  3. brilliant idea — riku
  4. face to face is safer — usual stuff
  5. Perhaps, perhaps not — ben
  6. Open works — opensource
  7. If you knew anything — i
  8. online offline? — anon
  9. email list — riku
  10. Hidden history — elder
  11. Are lists really useful? — Arbuthnot Maladaptive
  12. Useful stuff, thanks — more the merier
  13. Daily (Hate) Mail article about the Squatters Estate Agency — campaign for real journalism