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That'll ShOW 'em! -
Shoreditch Our Way
by Laura Walton
True East Enders are known for standing up
for themselves and they're not about to be priced out of the
property market because of a few trendy artists and musicians..but
how to fight back?
Easy! Hoxton locals are buying up property as quickly as they
can in order to fend off the property developers and bar owners
who are taking over the area at a rate of knots. Residents
have formed a corporation, Shoreditch Our Way who since coming
together have shelled out an incredible £6million on property
in the area buying some of the most desirable buildings around.you
know, the ones that would be perfect for some loft apartments
or a lovely new bar?
ShOW use government regeneration funding to buy the property
then sells leases on the buildings in return for local amenities.
For example, the most recent place to be snapped up by the
corporation, a block on Hoxton Square which will fund a day
care and community centre.
This scheme is in keeping with the old community spirit associated
with the East End, which those that were born and bred in
the area are worried is being lost with the onslaught of modernisation.
Shoreditch, along with much of the East End is losing its
infamous character as the bars and clubs move in so those
involved with ShOW hope that their scheme will preserve at
least some of the area's charm.
The corporation has fast become the heart of the community
and is involved not only with property and small businesses
but also in all other aspects of the community - including
the arts. ShOW are adamant they are not trying to force out
the artistic types who have moved here, but the lifestyle
that has followed them into Shoreditch.hopefully they will
be able to find a compromise and keep the spirit of the East
End alive.
www.shoreditchourway.org.uk
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