Squatters Left Watermans in 'Dire Mess' Says Council
Claims there is extensive signs of vandalism in the building
The Watermans Arts Centre after the squatters departure. Picture: Hounslow Council
July 19, 2024
Hounslow Council is claiming the state of the Watermans Arts Centre has been made far worse during its occupation by a group of squatters.
The building had already been severely damaged by a fire on 5 June and shortly afterwards the group took possession claiming that it was protecting its future as a community arts centre. They locked the building and disabled the CCTV system.
The squatters had ignored pleas from the council to ‘do what is right for arts and culture’ by vacating the building to allow the building to be made safe after the fire. The council has warned that the roof remains unstable and criticised the squatters for holding events in the building.
The property's tenants, Hounslow Arts Trust Limited, was granted an interim possession order by a judge on 2 July and the squatters have now left after being in the building for three and a half weeks.
The squatters said that although they wanted to fight eviction "to the bitter end" there were vulnerable people in the group for whom arrest would have a "disproportionately detrimental outcome".
Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said, “The squatters, who only vacated the building after receiving a court order, have left it in a far worse state than it was before their unauthorised occupation. The interior has been left in a dire mess with extensive signs of vandalism. Doors have been kicked in, causing damage to locks and door frames, and some equipment has been damaged, and other items stolen. All this has exacerbated the already challenging situation we faced following the fire.
Damage done at the Watermans. Picture: Hounslow Council
“The actions of the squatters have further delayed our plans for finding a meanwhile use for the building to benefit the community. I appreciate many in the community will be frustrated by this delay, and I share these frustrations. The squatters have set us back many weeks.
“We’ll now be working hard to move forward with our plans as swiftly as possible. Council officers are conducting a thorough survey of the premises to understand the extent of the damage caused. Following the outcome of this survey, we will continue to explore the feasibility of a meanwhile use for the building. This evaluation is crucial in guiding our next steps towards restoring the building to a usable and safe condition.
“Arts and culture are incredibly important to us. We recognise the value they bring to our diverse community, and we remain dedicated to supporting a rich cultural offer for everyone across the borough. We will provide updates as soon as we can regarding the progress of the repairs and the process for establishing a meanwhile use for the building.
“In the meantime, I encourage any queries or concerns to be directed to meanwhile@hounslow.gov.uk.”
The notice from the squatters is visible on the left. Picture: Facebook
The Watermans Arts Centre has been closed to the public since 11 April after the Hounslow Arts Trust announced it could no longer afford to keep it running.
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