Heygate Estate demolition 'gets physical'

The £1.5 billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle is about to get physical, with the erection of a banner on empty blocks on the Heygate Estate to advise residents that demolition is now underway.

The Rodney Road and Wingrave blocks are now vacant and will form phase one of the demolition and regeneration of the Heygate Estate.

The demolition process has already begun, with the removal and salvage of flat contents, vermin baiting and a hygiene sweep in progress, the utilities will also be disconnected.

Councillor Paul Noblet, executive member for regeneration, said: “It’s great news that the demolition is now under way. To ensure that health and safety needs are met it’s vital that these hidden works are done first, but as soon as they are completed the buildings themselves will start to come down.

"Southwark Council will also be putting up hoardings and getting out information to local people to let them know what is happening.”

In order to carry out the work, the council will arrange for survey work including:

• Electric, gas and water supplies.
• Detailed analysis of the asbestos.
• Examination of the condition of the estate’s trees.
• Noise and air quality before demolition to inform the monitoring of the effects of the demolition throughout the process.
• A bat survey.
• An ecology survey.

Dismantling of the vacant buildings is expected to start later in the year following the safe disposal of any asbestos, and vermin baiting and hygiene sweeps will continue throughout the process.