Cabinet to Make Decision about Future of Tower Block

The demolition of an outdated tower block will be recommended to South Tyneside Council's Cabinet next week.

Durham Court, which is for the over 55s, is the last remaining residential high-rise building in Hebburn.

Built in the 1970s of non-traditional construction, it is now beyond its original intended lifespan.

The 18-storey block houses 111 flats, of which 70 are currently occupied. The building now requires significant investment and modernisation and so the council has been looking at options for its future - including direct investment, demolition or sale or transfer to another housing provider.

Following detailed studies into all three, it is recommended that the tenants are moved into suitable alternative accommodation and the building is demolished.

Councillor Jane Carter, Deputy Leader with responsibility for housing and community safety, said: "Durham Court is home to 96 older people, so this is by no means a conclusion we have reached lightly.

"We've carried out detailed analysis of the various options. The building would require £12million of investment to modernise and keep it at a decent standard - works which would mean significant disruption to the tenants without any guarantees about the long-term sustainability of the block.

"Again, selling or transferring the building to another social landlord would offer tenants no extra protection in terms of its long-term viability.

"If Cabinet agrees to the recommendation to demolish Durham Court, we recognise that this would be a huge upheaval to the tenants, and we are here to support them throughout the process.

"They will be given priority for a new home and an assessment will be carried out to establish their individual needs, including any necessary adaptations to their new property."

Letters were hand delivered to affected tenants earlier this year, and they were invited to attend a number of drop-in sessions where they could ask questions or raise concerns.

These events were well attended, and a follow-up letter was sent addressing some questions tenants had raised at the meetings.

Councillor Carter added: "Of course we recognise that this will be unsettling and that some of the tenants do not want to be moving at this stage in life, but we will do all we can to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

"Residents will be supported and kept informed every step of the way, they all have contact details of an officer who will answer questions and reassure them."

No timescales have been set, and demolition would not begin until all residents were found a suitable alternative home. Tenants would be eligible for a home loss payment of £8,100.

The cost to demolish the building is estimated at £2.1m, with rehousing residents and the demolition process likely to take around 3-4 years to complete.