Maydew Demolition Confirmed - Bringing another Embarrassing, Expensive Southwark Labour Saga to an End

At yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Southwark Labour officially agreed to demolish Maydew House – which has been empty since 2015.

Labour cabinet members have formally agreed recommendations to secure a procurement contract to demolish the 26 storey building on the Abbeyfield Estate.

The decision to refurbish Maydew House was originally made in 2012.

Since then, Southwark has spent £15.2m and has a further £165,790 committed to Maydew house. The demolition is estimated to cost £4m.

During Monday’s meeting, the cabinet member for housing said that, due to rising costs, refurbishment had become “impossible” and, therefore, demolition was recommended.

Bede House, a community charity based in Abbeyfield estate, made a representation at the cabinet meeting, seeking clarity on the tenure of their headquarters which is next to Maydew House.

In response, the cabinet member for housing admitted that “there will be disruption” caused by the demolition and could not guarantee whether Bede House would have to be relocated.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester said:

“By the time the last remnants of Maydew House have gone, Southwark Labour will have spent £20m.This decision has been over a decade in the making now. While Labour have dithered and delayed, residents have been left in limbo without adequate housing during a constantly deepening cost of living crisis.

The fact that 144 houses can be left empty for nearly seven years, while over 16,000 languish on the housing waiting list, shows that Labour’s approach to housing is to say a lot and do almost nothing.

We are relieved that pressure from our Liberal Democrat group has finally paid off and a decision has been made - the shame is that it is 10 years too late.”