Why the occupation of this empty building highlights the housing crisis | Frank Freeman | Opinion | The Guardian #olsx #housing

Why the occupation of this empty building highlights the housing crisis | Frank Freeman | Opinion | The Guardian

 ‘It is embarrassing for Camelot that it failed to protect its own former premises and doubly embarrassing that this luxury building has been left empty when it could have provided low-cost, temporary accommodation.’ Squatters in Camelot’s former HQ. Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian

Wednesday 28 September 2016 10.46 BST

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There have been a few ironic chuckles about the occupation of the former Camelot Europe headquarters by a group of squatters.

Camelot provides property guardians, who move into empty buildings to prevent them from being squatted. It is embarrassing for the company that it failed to protect its own former premises from being squatted and doubly embarrassing that this luxury building, in far better shape than many of the buildings they fill with property guardians, has been left empty when it could have provided low-cost, temporary accommodation – complete with tasteful carpets, luxury shower, high-speed Wi-Fi and air conditioning – to several people priced out of the extortionate London rental market.

London protesters occupy former HQ of property management firm

 

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However, there is a more serious purpose to this occupation. We need to highlight the major housing crisis across the UK, especially in London, and to come up with some sustainable and workable solutions.

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