Huge refurbishment recommendations for the Ledbury Estate, Southwark after dozens of gaping holes found in buildings

BY CALUM FRASER
calum@slpmedia.co.uk

Tower blocks are set to be refurbished in what housing activists are calling an “unprecedented” decision.

Southwark council will discuss a report that recommends that the Ledbury Estate undergoes a huge refurbishment project after dozens of gaping holes were found in buildings in a post- Grenfell inspection.

Residents campaigned against plans to demolish and rebuild, which was an option in a survey conducted over the summer, and they believe Southwark’s decision could set a precedent for other housing estates in the country that face regeneration.

Ex-Ledbury resident Danielle Gregory, 32, a spokeswoman for the Ledbury Housing Action Group, said: “We are all very keen to see how the first pilot tests pan out, as this will truly be a landmark moment, determining the future of many Large Panel System blocks around the country.

“All eyes are on Southwark now. “It’s admirable that they’ve listened to the residents thoughts and wishes and are giving this a go.”

Scores of residents have been decanted after the Peterchurch, Bromyard, Skenfirth and Sarnsfield 13-storey towers were found to be unsafe.

Housing consultant Tony Bird said last year that if one of the concrete panels blew out large parts of the building would collapse.

Mother-of-three Mrs Gregory said: “Where many other Large Panel System owners around the UK are discovering similarly serious problems and simply opting for demolition, Southwark are instead taking a unique position by attempting a newly- designed structural strengthening and fire-stopping programme to the Ledbury tower blocks.

“This unprecedented design solution will undoubtedly attract a great deal of attention, both from those in the industry, as well as other local authorities and ministry for housing, communities and local government.”

Town hall chiefs will discuss the plans at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. New homes are also set to be built on Ledbury land to help finance the refurbishment.

The council aim to make at least half of these available at social rent.

If it goes ahead, the refurbishment would be done in phases, allowing those residents still living in the towers to move into one of the empty homes temporarily, while their blocks are completed.

More than 150 tenants have already moved out of the towers, but everyone will have the choice to return if they wish, once the refurbishments are completed.

Councillor Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for housing, said: “We know it has been a difficult time for many people but I feel we are at a point where we can start moving forward and get this work done to fix the homes in the four tower blocks, and use this opportunity to build new, family homes on the estate to help meet costs and help local families living in overcrowded conditions.

“I want to extend my thanks to the residents in the tower blocks and the wider estate, members of the Resident Project Team and the Ledbury Tenants’ and Residents’ Association for their invaluable help and commitment to the future of the tower blocks and very much hope that we continue to work together as the works progress to ensure the right outcomes for the Ledbury community.”

Some of the housing estates in South London that are facing demolition and rebuild include Cressingham Gardens in Lambeth, Reginald House in Deptford, the Aylesbury in Southwark and Wynstanley Estate in Wandsworth.