November 19th 2024.
In Central London's Soho Square, the former headquarters of 20th Century Fox have been at the center of a months-long occupation by squatters. The building, which was left empty after the company was bought by Disney in 2021, was taken over by a group of five individuals who barricaded themselves inside and posted a notice on the window stating that they would only leave if a court order was obtained by the owner.
Last week, after obtaining a court order, the building's owners, with the assistance of bailiffs and police, successfully removed the squatters. The area, known for its bustling film industry and frequented by Hollywood A-listers, was relieved to see the eyesore of a squat come to an end. Celebrities like Selma Hayek and Gemma Arterton, who often attend meetings at the studios in the square, were among those who were confronted by the unpleasant sight.
The former sixth-floor building of 20th Century Fox had a rich history, serving as the company's largest operation outside of the US since 1935. However, the presence of squatters had given it a bad reputation, according to Kos Baltas, a security guard at a neighboring building. He explained that the exclusive area was not suitable for such an eyesore and that the removal of the squatters was a relief. However, he also expressed concerns about the lack of security measures in place, considering the building's renovation plans.
The building's former occupants, 20th Century Fox, was a pioneer in the film industry, producing hits like Die Hard 2 and The Exorcist in its later years. It was a well-known destination for celebrities and was often frequented by the likes of Princess Diana and the Rolling Stones. However, in the past year, there has been a trend of high-profile buildings being targeted by squatters, taking advantage of laws that protect them from eviction unless a court order is obtained.
In Central London, the former San Lorenzo restaurant, a favorite of Princess Diana's, was occupied by a group in June. The owners were able to obtain a court order to remove the squatters, but not before they caused a disturbance, smoking weed on the roof. Similarly, Gordon Ramsay's York and Albany pub near Regent's Park and Marco Pierre-White's former steak restaurant in Leicester Square were also targeted by squatters, causing complaints from the community.
More recently, the Dogstar pub in Brixton, which has fallen into administration, has been occupied by a group of squatters. They have put up a legal warning on the window, stating that they cannot be removed without a court order. While the government has made squatting in residential properties illegal, the law does not extend to commercial properties, leaving business owners vulnerable to these types of situations.
In the case of the former 20th Century Fox building, the owners are planning a redevelopment after their initial application to demolish it was rejected. And while the removal of the squatters has brought relief to the area, there is still a concern for the lack of security measures in place to prevent such situations from happening again. Hopefully, with stricter laws in place, incidents like these can be avoided in the future.
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