Oxford University squatters who turned college building into homeless shelter have been evicted

A group of activists who occupied a building owned by Oxford University and used the space as a shelter for the city’s homeless population have been evicted.

Twenty people have been sleeping at the shelter, which has its own kitchen and showering facilities, since New Year’s Eve.

The building has been vacant since it was purchased by Wadham College in 2015 and will eventually be turned into student accommodation.

Iffley Open House, which is run by concerned members of the local community, said they learned of the eviction through the local newspaper, although Wadham College says it liaised with representatives of the group from the moment the building was occupied and informed them of every action, including eviction, ahead of time.

“It is a shame that a university of such extraordinary prestige and renown is struggling to exhibit basic levels of compassion for those members of their local community who need it the most,” Miriam Stewart, a volunteer, told The Independent.

The shelter has now moved to another building which is also owned by the university but has been empty for almost seven years.

Said Business School, who are the owners of the property, have now notified the group they will also be pushing for an eviction.

Volunteers are hoping to present a motion to the student union at Oxford in the hope of getting them to engage with the wider community and support the residents of the shelter.

Homelessness in Oxford has increased fivefold in the last four years and 200 beds in local homeless shelters are set to close.

A spokesperson from Wadham College said: “As agreed, the homeless group who have been sheltering at our Iffley Road site left peacefully

“Pre-demolition work, which we have delayed while the homeless group were there, will now start. Hoardings will now go up around the entire site, and the demolition contractors will have access for inspections, demolition preparation and removal of specific items.

“…Wadham College would like to add that Iffley Open House who have been representing the interests of the 20 homeless people sheltering at Iffley Road have maintained good relations with neighbours since their arrival at the site on 31 December 2016. They have also kept open communication channels with Wadham during their stay.

“Wadham College continues to be profoundly sympathetic towards the homeless in Oxford. Recognising that Oxford has both homeless people and empty buildings, Wadham would welcome initiatives from the local council and homelessness groups to find a ways for empty buildings to be used as temporary shelters in a way that is safe, workable and within the law.”