Squatters vow to fight on in theatre battle

18 February 2005

By Haroon Siddique

SQUATTERS and their supporters have vowed to fight for St George's after the council agreed to turn it back into a church.

Nigerian Pentecostal group House on the Rock has been given the green light to redevelop the Grade II listed former theatre on Tufnell Park Road.

But angry residents and squatters occupying the building insist it should remain a theatre.

TV actress Kate Buffery, from Tytherton Road, said: "It was almost like it was a choice between the squatters or the nice people with money.

"The majority of people feel it should remain a theatre. It is a shame the council is finding reasons not to listen.

"The church doesn't seem to be an organisation with integrity, there is no interest in the area in it as far as I can see - this building's core function should be to serve the community."

The main church building dates back to 1866 but it fell into disuse and was sold in 1973.

It was converted into a theatre but closed in 2001 and put on the market again.

House on the Rock bought the building in 2003 but it remained empty until the squatters occupied it in October last year.

They reopened it as a community centre and theatre and plan to appeal against the council's decision.

Squatters spokesman Phoenix said: "To lose it as a theatre is a travesty. The church want to censor it - will gay plays, feminist plays be allowed to go on there?

"The chairman of the committee rushed it through without consideration of other councillors' concerns about censorship - it is outrageous."

As a condition of planning permission the church agreed to open the building to performing arts for at least eight days a month.

Pastor Michael Ofueye said: "It is natural there would be some scepticism about a group people don't know much about.

"We are not too worried. When people get an opportunity to see what we do, a lot of opposition will melt away."

The church is locked in a battle to evict the squatters and Pastor Ofueye said: "If they have the best interests of the community they will leave."

Councillor Euan Cameron, who chaired Monday's meeting, said: "I understand this is an emotive issue but firmly believe we have come to the best decision.

"I ensured the application will include a condition to deal with censorship - there was no steamrolling.

"I am more than happy, I have been discussing this building for a number of years and no funding has been forthcoming until now."

haroon.siddique@islingtonexpress.co.uk