Work underway to dismantle Maydew House

Maydew House, the 26-storey tower block on Bermondsey’s Abbeyfield Estate which has been vacant for several years, is being dismantled.

Built 60 years ago, the building needed significant safety works with damp, structural issues and cracks identified.

Southwark Council had originally planned to refurbish the tower bock and build extra storeys on top to provide more homes, but comprehensive structural studies revealed significant weaknesses in the building which meant it would need to be made safe before residential use could be considered. It also became clear that any refurbishment option would only extend the lifespan of the building for a short time.

The costs for these works were estimated to be nearly £70 million and with costly maintenance costs also cited, the council decided to dismantle the tower and clear space for new council homes on the estate. The works began in November and are expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “The decision to demolish Maydew House has not been an easy one but it is one that we have had to take given the multiple challenges, including the fire safety and structural integrity of this block.

"The demolition will mark the start of a new chapter for Abbeyfield Estate and we will work with residents to make plans for the space cleared by the derelict building.

“The decision to demolish Maydew House has not been an easy one but it is one that we have had to take given the multiple challenges, including the fire safety and structural integrity of this block."