Final decision on the Queen Street and Avenham Tower Blocks

Onward Homes has reached a decision on the future of three tower blocks located in the Queen Street and Avenham neighbourhood and has decided that the best option is to demolish the blocks and replace these with new homes. The decision is a key part of plans to regenerate and renew the area and provide modern, quality homes within walking distance of the city centre.

Onward has carefully considered different options for the buildings which were assessed against a range of factors including building quality, design and local housing needs, to ensure that the blocks can meet the requirements of residents in the future. Residents were consulted earlier in the year on Onward’s preferred option to demolish the tower blocks and build new modern, warmer homes and the alternative option of refurbishing and re-cladding the existing tower blocks.

Residents were also invited to share views on other aspects of the proposals and the management of the buildings. In response to feedback from residents, Onward has adapted its support package to ensure that it is tailored to the needs of local people.

After careful consideration of various factors, a decision has been made to proceed with the preferred option to demolish the tower blocks, which provides a more suitable long-term solution. Having been built in the 1960s, the tower blocks require major improvements and whilst refurbishment would improve the flats even with significant investment these would not match new build standards. On the other hand, demolition and replacement with new homes will enable the delivery of a mix of modern homes that better reflect to local housing needs.

The demolition process will start with Richmond House before moving onto Carlisle and Lincoln Houses. By phasing the rehousing process, Onward will be able to manage this more smoothly and ensure everyone gets fair access to other affordable housing that is available in the area.

Onward’s dedicated teams will now speak to households on an individual basis to guide them through each stage of the rehousing process to ensure that this is as smooth as possible. A comprehensive package of support will be provided to residents which will include guidance around finding a new home and bidding on properties, compensation and practical help around packing up and moving belongings.

Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director for Property at Onward, said:

“Onward has an ambitious vision, working with our partners in Preston City Council and Homes England, to deliver a transformative renewal of the Queen Street Estate that delivers quality affordable homes within walking distance of the centre of one of the great northern cities. The tower blocks require significant investment to ensure the properties reflect modern housing requirements and the needs of customers in the future.

Whilst refurbishment would improve the buildings in the short-term, the tower blocks would still not provide the same standards as a new build home. Demolition is a more suitable long-term solution that will provide new, improved homes that are a better reflection of local housing needs.  

We understand that residents will have lots of questions about next steps and we are here to help them through every step of the rehousing process. Our dedicated teams will speak to each household on an individual basis to understand their needs and help them to find a new home.”

Further information is available at www.onwardpreston.co.uk, or residents can get in touch by emailing preston@onward.co.uk or calling 0300 555 0600.