The CSWG is disappointed to have learned that University College London NHS Foundation Trust has decided to evict the current guardians of the Cleveland Street Workhouse site, leaving the building exposed to possible decay as well as squatting.

Just a few months after the Georgian era workhouse achieved a Grade II listing, the company and residents entrusted with responsibility of keeping the site occupied and secure have been asked to vacate. The CSWG is deeply concerned with these recent developments as they place the future of the workhouse in jeopardy.

The Temperance hospital only a short walk away in Hampstead Road has been left vacant, and consequently this has led to its advanced state of decay. Consequently the CSWG fear that leaving the workhouse vacant will subject the Grade II listed building to the elements and without careful monitoring will speed its demise. With the recent spate of squatting in the area, our group is also concerned that squatters may take over the building, further exacerbating the situation.

The Cleveland Street Workhouse has served as short term accommodation for young professionals (firemen, nurses, etc) for more than 3 years. The inhabitants have been placed within the building through a “Protection by Occupation” scheme, which forbids squatters from occupying the premises and helps prevent decay. Without constant monitoring and heating during the winter months, inevitably water damage will take its toll.

We understand that the current guardians of the Cleveland Street Workhouse have successfully prevented several squatting attempts over the years. The CSWG are also aware that a squatters group did successfully occupy the site several years ago which led UCLH to the establishment of the current guardianship scheme. Squatting in Fitzrovia has become something of a media sensation in the past year, with one group taking over at least three local properties as reported by the national press.

We call upon UCLH NHS Foundation Trust to reconsider this disastrous decision, not only to help preserve one of Britain’s best preserved Georgian era workhouses, but also to protect the local community from the actions of squatters.

Next year is Dickens’ 200th anniversary. Considering the recent evidence that has been discovered connecting the famous author to the site, we hope the trust will put in place the appropriate measures to protect the site.