This is my first ever report, and please note my photography is far from spectacular as I am just getting started with that too. I visited in February 2012 with a non-member, E. Although it is technically 'open to the public', it is extremely well boarded up and the very little access to buildings we found was pure luck or involved climbing (I love roofs).
We spent a good couple of hours there un-hassled, and fairly alone, it is far from dangerous.
It is huge, and currently houses just two remaining tenants (Who told us they are awaiting better offers from the council for their land in order to afford to remain in Elephant and Castle). Graffiti and smashed windows are all around, however the place has an extremely peaceful aura. One resident described it as 'his playground', and there is a lot of secret gardening going on. They told us they have big plans for hosting some summer events, and the place attracts a lot of free runners.
Basic Information (Heygate estate):
Location: Elephant and Castle, Southwark
Houses: 2 Tenants remain, Due for demolition
A little bit of background history:
The estate was built in 1974 and was to be the first utopia of the 'welfare state'. However, instead of a utopia it developed into another crime ridden south london estate.
It was the backdrop for Harry Brown along with a number of other high profile films. One of the two residents we spoke too said Brad Pitt turned up on the estate to film, so maybe that's a film we will see in the future.
Summary:
Overall, it was definitely a great explore, not so much on the wild side, but the ghost town element was certainly extraordinary. Would recommend it.
We spent a good couple of hours there un-hassled, and fairly alone, it is far from dangerous.
It is huge, and currently houses just two remaining tenants (Who told us they are awaiting better offers from the council for their land in order to afford to remain in Elephant and Castle). Graffiti and smashed windows are all around, however the place has an extremely peaceful aura. One resident described it as 'his playground', and there is a lot of secret gardening going on. They told us they have big plans for hosting some summer events, and the place attracts a lot of free runners.
Basic Information (Heygate estate):
Location: Elephant and Castle, Southwark
Houses: 2 Tenants remain, Due for demolition
A little bit of background history:
The estate was built in 1974 and was to be the first utopia of the 'welfare state'. However, instead of a utopia it developed into another crime ridden south london estate.
It was the backdrop for Harry Brown along with a number of other high profile films. One of the two residents we spoke too said Brad Pitt turned up on the estate to film, so maybe that's a film we will see in the future.
Summary:
Overall, it was definitely a great explore, not so much on the wild side, but the ghost town element was certainly extraordinary. Would recommend it.
Da' Pics:
You can see all of them HERE
Abandoned Jacket - Seemed to be the theme of the place
Evicted
You spot it?
Smackheads Galore
Cute Pigeon (Not my photo - Credit to the non-member I went with, Initial E)
'Illuminati Scum'
'Fuck Government'
'The very little access we found'
Broken Windows:
Frames
'Guerilla Gardening' - last signs of life
Who needs bitches?...not this guy!
Love note, or shopping list?
Reaching the top
Not Complete without a rooftop!
Thank you for reading my first report. Hope to build on this, with more rooftops to come, if anyone's interested in an ex in London, email me at urbexegg[at]gmail[dot]com
B.
You can see all of them HERE
Abandoned Jacket - Seemed to be the theme of the place
Evicted
You spot it?
Smackheads Galore
Cute Pigeon (Not my photo - Credit to the non-member I went with, Initial E)
'Illuminati Scum'
'Fuck Government'
'The very little access we found'
Broken Windows:
Frames
'Guerilla Gardening' - last signs of life
Who needs bitches?...not this guy!
Love note, or shopping list?
Reaching the top
Not Complete without a rooftop!
Thank you for reading my first report. Hope to build on this, with more rooftops to come, if anyone's interested in an ex in London, email me at urbexegg[at]gmail[dot]com
B.
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