61 Curzon Street occupied as Centre for March 26th Protests

01/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

02/12

Caption

A Banner which reads: Our society is bigger than yours, is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

03/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

04/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

05/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

06/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

07/12

Caption

Posters and a legal notice are posted on the door of 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

08/12

Caption

A legal notice from the owner's solicitors is posted on the door of 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

09/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

10/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

11/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

12/12

Caption

A Banner is hung from a window outside 61 Curzon St. which was occupied yesterday by squatters ahead of anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK

Report current story

61 Curzon St. was occupied yesterday by squatters and was quickly set up as a convergence space called 'The Big Society HQ' to aid those planning on joining anti-cuts actions organised throughout London for March 26. London, UK, 25/03/2011

A press release from the Big Society Headquarters is as follows.

"The BSHQ is not affiliated to any organisation. We have squatted the building at 61 Curzon Street legally to support the anti-cuts demonstration on the 26th of March.

We feel that at a time when the government's cuts are threatening increasing numbers of people with homelessness, the upcoming attack on squatters rights is inhumane. The BSHQ is a good example of why the squatting law should not be changed. This building has been empty for a number of years; we are maintaining it, cleaning it and providing a free place to stay for people who need it, especially participants of the demonstration on the 26th.

We have a "Safer Spaces" policy which aims to create a positive environment free from sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of oppressive behaviour. Illegal drugs are not allowed and alcohol consumption is limited to a designated area.

We have chosen the name 'The Big Society HQ" as a joke, because David Cameron's concept of "The Big Society" IS a joke: it has no substance. This is what real self-organised community empowerment looks like!"

The property already has an Interim Possession Order on the door from Hamlins solicitors, stating that the hearing to re-claim possession of the property will begin March 30th at 10am.

Tomorrow the Trades Union Congress have a massive 'March for the Alternative' protest from Victoria Embankment to Hyde Park concerning the government cuts.

Many people have become disillusioned with huge protest movements over the years that never seem to achieve any substantial change.

A number of different actions and occupations will also be held around London throughout the day.