Squatters support Ministry of Sound

Homelessness activists in London have joined the campaign against plans by property speculators Oakmayne to build a massive block of luxury flats on Ministry Of Sound’s doorstep by occupying the empty office block that remains on the site of the planned skyscraper.

Explaining their actions, Self-Organised London group (SOL) spokesperson Emma Jennings said gentrification plans such as Oakmayne’s 41 story new tower block have already forced residents out of the area and are ‘tearing our communities apart’

"Residents of Elephant & Castle are sick of having so-called regeneration plans imposed on them by developers, Southwark Council, and now Boris (London Mayor Boris Johnson)," she told local news site se1.co.uk. 

“We hope that by taking over Elieen House and returning it to the community, we can provide a space for us to come back together again and organise against Boris and for housing which meets our needs." http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/6634

Details of the SOL’s direct action emerged just days before Ministry’s fiercest opponent Boris Johnson deferred plans to impose Oakmayne’s development on the South London club, a move Ministry welcomed cautiously.

“The hearing on 26 February has been deferred as the Mayor, Boris Johnson, wants to allow further time for negotiations between Ministry of Sound and the developer Oakmayne,” they said on their website,

“This decision shows he recognises Ministry's cultural and economic value to London and understands that the proposed development genuinely threatens our future,” they added.