Waste of Space

IMPORTANT UPDATE here

In March 1997 several people cracked a squat in the High Street of Swansea in South Wales and set up home there. Since then the disused shop and warehouse have become a thriving community providing homes for fifteen people and numerous utilities for the people of Swansea.

This site is devoted to their aims and reasons, their successes and hopes and their story. They are providing something that Swansea has long needed and in doing so are helping many other people than simply the ones who live there.

Following on from Swansea, a Waste of Space opened up in Exeter with the same ideal. It too was unfortuately shortlived, but was around long enough to promote the idea of self empowerment there as well.

Among the people involved there has been a growing concern about the number of empty buildings in Swansea city for some time. The Council themselves give the number of domestic empties overall as 4,675 in the private sector. The Council failed to mention their 500+ empties. Despite this there is still unprecedented levels of homelessness. Over 1000 people are officially registered as homeless in the city, while the actual number is much greater.

From the authorites there has been a noticable lack of action to tackle the problem of homelessness. Infact they are deliberately hindering this initiative - details here. There has also been a need for a proper community space open and free to all, to provide opportunities for music, arts, a meeting place, etc..

The squat on High Street has been a DIY action as homeless people come together to undertake what is needed. This has been a spontaneous, learning experience for all involved. Alienation has been overcome and in the process they have created a community space for Swansea. They have empowered themselves by interacting and by coming together, learning new skills by just having to do it, showing that it is possible to do help themselves and others. They have realised that they can take control of their own lives and not leave them in the hands of bureaucrats.

Something very positive has been created and the local support has been great. A lot has been achieved in a short space of time and there is plenty of belief that only the surface of the potential has been touched. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to drop in any time for some food, to say hallo or have a friendly chat.

Achievements so far

  • The No Cash Cafe has been opened serving free food, tea and coffee every day opening late. Everyone who comes in will be fed.
  • It is run entirely by donations, receiving the generous support of numerous local businesses. Any excess has been passed onto other groups working on homeless issues.
  • In the first two weeks there were over 500 visitors from all walks of life, from winos to the quavers, the middle classes and even representatives from Greenpeace. It has been a coming together for all walks of life.
  • There has been a very positive response from the public. The local newspaper, the Evening Post has had numerous letters of encouragement which can be read here.
  • Support has been received from all the homeless groups, eg Shelter, Cyrenians, Big Issue. This has and will be reciprocated.
  • Provided limited space for one night stop overs and helped crack another 6 person squat in Swansea.
  • Bands have been given space in which to practice and there have been acoustic music workshops
  • There have been community dances and several big free all night parties with the promise of more - local and national sound systems have given free use of their equipment.
  • An information centre has been set up covering numerous issues and open to all
  • Many disparate groups have been brought together and people have been given a sense of purpose and meaning as city isolation and alienation is overcome.
  • A hands on grassroots network is established sharing information and support.
  • Recycling is available and vegans catered for.

We recognise that everyone is different and will offer a friendly welcome to everyone. Waste of Space are open to any positive ideas and encourage any community projects or workshops. We will continue the work done so far and in raising the issues of homelessness, waste, community, etc. . . .

We will also fight for the empowerment of individuals, in communication, acceptance of diversity and especially in DIY actions. Any one seeking help in setting up a home in one of the many empty properties available can get technical and legal advice. An online copy of the nessecary section 6 can be found here.

To date help has been received from plumbers, electricians and ecologists, cooks, musicians, artists and a hole host of individuals and groups. Though not much in the way of politicans (Hmmm - wonder why that is......)

Swansea City Council

Swansea City Council have been promising to impliement initiatives similiar to that of Waste of Space for some time now. However, we have lost faith in the established channels of influence. We believe that they have failed the homeless people of this county. Therefore, we have decided to take matters into our own hands. Swansea City Council own large numbers of buildings which have been left empty for years, even decades. We would be more than happy to take on any of these buildings and transform them in to a viable and accessible resource to the community. We will undertake to renovate and reopen them, even to provide them as homes.

Waste of Space are looking to negocitate, along side other groups such as Shelter Cymru and the Cyrenians, with the Council to establish more long-term solutions. They are very aware of the need to maintain a DIY stance.

Court

On Wednesday 10th April, the Waste of Space squatters were in Swansea County Court. There was hope that they could negociate with the owners (Barclays Bank) with a proposal of order of consent; that is no evicition until the building is genuinely needed for imminent development. However, it soon became clear that the owners were not up for negotiation, but our solicitor managed to secure a stay on eviction until May 1st, on which date Waste of Space have agreed to vacate the premises. There were affidavits of support from various groups, including Shelter, Outreach, Big Issue Foundation, and two Churches. A petition in support for our work has already recieved over 2000 signatures.

While disappointed at the attitude of the men in grey at not being able to stay longer, Waste of Space believe in flexiblity and realise that change is healthy. The sense of community that has been achieved has been an inspiration to all, and a lot of lessons have been learnt. Many good contacts and friendships have been made and Waste of Space intend to build on these and carry on taking direct action to show what can be done on a DIY self-help basis.

In fact Waste of Space are going to continue dispite loosing the court case. A statement and a press article dealing with their future and feelings on the eviction and move is here. Since the 1st May, Waste of Space have occupied a new address at 33 Castle Street. The success goes on.


Waste of Space have helped themselves and are helping to build a better community around them, so please give them your support and remember you are always welcome.

Waste of Space is at

33 Castle Street
Swansea
Wales
UK
tel: 0378 010 859
email: wastespace@geocities.com

Relevant and radical links can be found on this page

The greatest and most oppressed right we have in todays society is the right to empower ourselves. Anarchy is the taking of complete responsiblity for our actions.

Life is quiet in Swansea and Exeter at the moment as people enjoy the summer weather and life in general. But never fear people will be back and the idea is not dead yet.

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