‘Oliver’ workhouse: Is victory in sight? - Campaign ‘milestone’ in fight to save Strand Union building

Published: 25 February 2011
by JOSH LOEB

A NEW report by English Heritage has been described as a “major milestone” by campaigners fighting to save the Strand Union Workhouse.

Campaigners are expecting an announcement that could save the building in Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia, which is threatened with demolition, after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said it would issue a statement on the issue soon.

An application to replace the workhouse with shops, offices and social housing has been lodged with Camden Council by the building’s owners, University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. But their decision over whether to proceed now hinges on the DCMS, who could give the property protected status.

Aimery de Malet Roquefort, who has campaigned to save the workhouse, attended a rally outside the building yesterday (Thursday).

He said: “We’re expecting to hear if the building will be given listed status by the end of the month. They could take longer, but judging from some of the DCMS’ behaviour, we think a decision will be made in the next 20 days.”

Novelist Charles Dickens spent five years of his childhood living a few doors away from the workhouse and campaigners claim the building was part of the inspiration behind his novel Oliver Twist.