On Saturday 18 February, approximately 40 people gathered outside Holloway Prison calling for the Ministry of Justice to open up the visitors’ centre in Holloway immediately for public use.
Local residents and organisations mobilised together to demand that the modern, accessible and child-friendly building be open to the public and utilised for community benefit. Suggestions included the space being used for an advice centre, women’s space, youth centre or community café.
Speakers included, Glyn Robbins from National Axe the Housing Act, Becka Hudson representing Reclaim Holloway and our Will McMahon, who was interviewed on London Live News.
Discussions concerning the future of the ten acre prison site were also heard, with a strong demand for the development of social housing on the plot.
Speaking at the community gathering about the Community Plan for Holloway project, Will McMahon said:
The aim is to organise the biggest consultation possible with individuals and community groups in Islington, so that the people of Islington can have their say about what happens to the prison site and the visitors centre.It is by working together we get to a vision of what should happen here. We will be holding local meetings, public events and carrying out surveys to bring together your ideas.
