‘Terrible’ Croydon flats set to be demolished after residents vote to tear them down
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon council has confirmed that the Regina Road flats are to be demolished and rebuilt after residents voted overwhelmingly for their clearance.
The fate of the now notorious South Norwood flats have become an ongoing issue for the past two administrations.
The high-rise flats gained national attention in 2021, following a highly-publicised ITV report into the squalid conditions residents were living in.
Rampant damp and mould as well as negligent repairs from Croydon’s former repairs contractor Axis were just some of the complaints made by residents.
Regina Road resident Kingomzila Ludiambele said earlier this year: “These buildings aren’t good any more. They have to demolish them and build new ones. They ask us to choose whether to come back, but if the place I go to is fine I would stay there. Many flats are empty now because of the problems. It was terrible.”
At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Jason Perry admitted: “We will all remember the shame bought on Croydon when the horrendous conditions at Regina Road were highlighted on ITV News.”
In response, Croydon councillors confirmed they will listen to the overwhelming 88.1 per cent of residents who voted in favour of the building’s renewal.
The council agreed on a new direct delivery model for the project that outlined its intention for the demolition of the three high-rise flat complexes.
Subject to planning, the plans also include replacing the 191 council flats with up to 450 homes, at least 200 of which would be council owned.
The council laid out its plan to regenerate the flats in two phases.
According to the council: “Phase one would see an estimated 86 new council homes built on the north side of Regina Road, on the site of the 1-87 tower block and adjacent homes, plus an estimated eight new homes to be built at nearby Malton House.
“Phase two would create an estimated 139 new council homes and a replacement nursery and community centre – with the details to be reviewed by cabinet next year.“
Despite this, it is not yet confirmed where current residents will be housed in the intermediary period.
The authority has not yet set a date for demolition but it has confirmed the red cladded building which featured on the ITV expose will be first in line.
The council is in the process of finding a developer partner to begin the process, with the redevelopment’s funding coming from capital revenue.
Pictured top: The Regina Road flats set to be demolished (Picture: Tim Clarke)
“In response, Croydon councillors confirmed they will listen to the overwhelming 88.1 per cent of residents who voted in favour of the building’s renewal.”
Yes, but what exactly were the residents asked?
If the question was “Do you want the place knocked down, but you’ll have to leave and find somewhere else to live for the three years it will take to rebuild?” I doubt if the response would have been 88% in favour.
If the residents think the council will re-house them somewhere better, for the same rent, then that is a different question entirely.