Two charities and around 28 other businesses have been evicted from their premises in Old Paradise Yard, despite pushback.
The site, next to Waterloo station, has been returned to its owners after a petition with more than 46,000 signatures went against the plans.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation owns the site and leased it to its main tenant, Eat Work Art, for five years.
Eat Work Art then sublet to various businesses, including two charities, Children’s Rights International Network and music charity IMS Prussia Cove.
In a statement, Guy’s and St Thomas’s Foundation said: “Old Paradise Yard has been returned to the Foundation in line with the lease agreement, that was due to end on 29 January 2024. The Foundation and our partners await final planning approval.”
The foundation said it had always been clear that the lease would end on this date.
Guy’s and St Thomas’s Foundation plans to create 133 new homes on the site and workspaces. Its former sub-tenants could rent these workspaces once the work is completed and “if appropriate”, the foundation said.
Eat Work Art: ‘Sorely missed’
A spokesperson for Eat Work Art said: “Old Paradise Yard was a hidden gem in the heart of Waterloo and its talented creative community will be sorely missed.
“Over the last 10 years the eclectic music studios, theatrical and arts offerings at the site attracted thousands of people and boosted London’s rich creative industries.
“Eat Work Art are proud to have curated and supported the residents through this historic period at the heritage site. We continue to support residents as they transition to new venues, including offering them discounted spaces at alternative Eat Work Art locations.”
Children’s Rights International Network and IMS Prussia Cove did not respond to Civil Society’s requests for comment.
Related Articles
