Council to demolish blocks after £53m estimated refurbishment bill

The council estimates that the costs for retaining the buildings in a state of safe repair over 30 years would be £53m, and £40m of this amount would need to be spent in the next one to three years. 

The estimate does not include work such as replacing external cladding, lift replacements and internal refurbishment of lobbies and stairwells.

More than three-quarters of residents who responded to a consultation backed being moved into alternative housing.

The council said in a statement it would start discussions with leaseholders as soon as possible to “ensure the timely buy-back of their properties”.

It said council officers would prioritise the most vulnerable residents, who might need additional support, and there would be access to legal and surveying costs associated with buybacks for leaseholders. 

Nesil Caliskan, the leader of Enfield Council, said: “Following overwhelming backing of moving from the estate, our priority is to ensure all residents at Cheshire and Shropshire Houses get the quality home they deserve. 

“A full refurbishment of the blocks, just to maintain them to an acceptable standard, would have been expensive and disruptive, so we have listened to the community at the Shires Estate who do not want to go through several months of disruption. 

“Decanting the blocks will also enable the council to put its limited resources towards improving the rest of our council homes.

“This is why we are recommending decommissioning the tower blocks, which will enable us to move residents out as soon as soon possible into decent and safe alternative accommodation. 

“The safety and comfort of our residents are our priority, and this decision will ensure that residents are able to quickly access the decent housing they deserve.”