Once an important part of Brixton’s cultural heritage, the former squats at Clifton Mansions on Coldharbour Lane are now available to rent after being renovated by the powerful, super-rich property developers, Lexadon.
The 1920s mansion blocks contains 22 self contained flats and once played a significant part in the local music and arts scene, with alternative musicians and artists such as members of The Pogues and the Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller squatting there.
Estate Agents Haart are currently offering three bedroom flats in the building for £2,100 per month.
I suspect that price tag will be out of reach for many of the new generation of local artists and musicians.
Background and more info about Clifton Mansions
- Brixton Clifton Mansions squat: more eviction day photos
- Police evict Brixton Clifton Mansions in early morning operation
- Clifton Mansion squats – eviction party takes place in Brixton
- Protests and parties planned as Clifton Mansions Brixton squat awaits eviction on 12th July 2011
- Full photo feature of the Clifton Mansions eviction party here
- urban75 discussion about the evictions (over 600 posts)
It would be wrong to describe Clifton Mansions as a squat. The flats were classified as ‘hard to let’ and let out by the London & Quadrant Housing Trust on behalf of a hapless, clueless, and ultimately deceitful Lambeth Council. When I moved in in 1982, the rent was £10 per week and not much more than that when I left 13 years later. We, the tenants, saved the Mansions from ruin. Good luck to the poor rich sods who have to pay through the nose to live there now.
Would have got more rent if they used Foxtons.
This Ex-Pogues member lived there for 10 years until 1996/7. Although we never squatted! We paid the L+Q Housing Association going rental. When we left I think that was around £35 per week. Now in Peckham paying at least 10x that! Whatever happened? We were in Granville House on Rushcroft Road before that. Similar deal. Although we paid £5 a week each between 3 of us!