Asbestos slowing demolition progress on South Norwood estate
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon’s ambitious Regina Road regeneration is in full swing, but a lot of work has still yet to be completed on the former council tower blocks, according to contractors.
Following widespread reports of mould and poor conditions in the 1960s-built blocks, residents voted to demolish and rebuild homes on the South Norwood estate.
Residents of flats 1-87 were all relocated throughout 2024 following the 88 per cent vote to demolish the flats in the Spring of last year. Hoardings have since surrounded that block for the past few months, with demolition officially starting in January.
Demolition contractor Colemans has secured the site, which sees over 30 workers on site each day. Despite a constant buzz of activity on the site, the demolition is made difficult due to the abundance of asbestos in the building.
One of the workers on site said: “There’s a lot of work needs doing here, it’s a pure asbestos building. I think it’s going to be many more months of work before we get rid of the lot.”
According to its own expected timelines, the council expects the demolition of flats 1-87 to be complete by August.
Throughout this time, resident engagement will continue with community consultations on the design for replacement housing, plus monthly working group meetings covering topics like demolition, design, community spaces, and estate security.
Submitting a high-quality planning application is key to the Regina Road project, but other critical steps must also be addressed before. These include securing full vacant possession, further community engagement, demolition, and finding a contractor for the rebuild.
The second tower, housing flats 89-123, is scheduled for demolition between Autumn 2025 and February 2026. According to a source in the Regina Road resident’s working group, it is now empty following the recent relocation of its last two families.
The council is now in the process of finding alternative homes for the families in the third block.
Mayor Jason Perry acknowledged Croydon’s shame after the conditions at Regina Road were exposed. The council has since approved a new direct delivery model for the project, which includes demolishing the three high-rise blocks and replacing the 191 council flats with up to 450 homes, with at least 200 council-owned.
A spokesman from Croydon council said: “Work to demolish the first block at Regina Road is set to begin this month and will be completed by summer. The site will be monitored for noise, dust, and vibration, and residents will continue to receive regular updates.
“The demolition is part of wider plans to regenerate the estate and build at least 225 new council homes, along with green spaces, a pre-school, and community facilities. We’ll submit the full plans for approval in summer 2025.
“The next phase, which includes 89-123 Regina Road, will follow once the blocks are empty. We will continue working with residents to help them find new homes ahead of this next stage.”
Pictured top: Regina Road work under way (Picture: LDRS/Harrison Galliven)
