Last November, we exclusively revealed that Maydew House was set for demolition. Back then, Council Leader Kieron Williams said demolition would be “an option”. It turns out that it’s practically the only option the council is willing to consider.
Since then, we’ve wanted to know how much has been spent on refurbishment to date. It was clearly going to be a significant figure. But the £15 million spent has still taken most people by surprise.
Maydew House: Report reveals £15 million spent to date but council still set to demolish
The council maintains that the works were necessary regardless of the decision to demolish and this will need to be scrutinised. It’s undoubtedly true that the council has been hamstrung by the unforeseen increase in construction costs since it opted for refurbishment in 2012.
The question we must now ask is what does the future hold for the Abbeyfield Estate? Is a new residential block going to be built where Maydew now stands, and will it truly serve the local community?
Questions remain after London Bridge witnessed ‘dangerous’ overcrowding