The building, designed by W. E. Riley, was built as a fire station by London County Council between 1903 and 1904.[1][2] It replaced an older engine-house from 1869. The council acquired the neighbouring buildings to this older station and demolished them all to make space for the new one.[1] Once constructed, it was in use by the Fire Brigade until 1969, when it was closed after a new station was built on Cooper's Road. It is Grade II listed.[3]
Anarchist music group Bourbonese Qualk set up The Ambulance Station in the then abandoned five-story building at 306 Old Kent Road. The top two floors of the squat were converted into artist studios. There were living quarters on the middle floor. The first floor included a cafe and meeting places for local anarchist groups. The ground floor was a large performance space, a recording studio, and print workshops.[4]
Canadian hardcore punk band D.O.A played a benefit for anarchist prisoners there on 29 February 1984.[5]
The 1984 Stop the City demonstration was planned in a meeting at the building. The squat also organised a benefit gig which raised £300 and saw performances by Flux of Pink Indians, Kukl (featuring a teenaged Björk) and Flowers in the Dustbin.[6][7]
