Better housing for residents
We're redeveloping the Blackshots Estate in Grays to provide better housing for residents. As part of this work, we will be demolishing its 3 tower blocks.
An initial demolition notice was issued on 7 December 2023.
Why this work is needed
The 3 tower blocks – Bevan House off Laird Avenue, Morrison House on Jesmond Road, and Keir Hardie House on Milford Road – were built during the 1960s. Each has 12 storeys.
They have provided homes for families over many decades, but now many millions of pounds would need to be spent on them to keep up with modern standards.
We believe residents deserve better housing and better value for money. That’s why we've decided to demolish the tower blocks and build new homes in their place.
The new homes will be fit for modern living, meet energy efficiency needs and give residents access to good quality, affordable new homes.
Working with residents
We're making every effort to keep residents informed during each stage of the redevelopment process – especially residents of Blackshots Estate and its surrounding areas.
For details of upcoming events and information from past events, go to our page on how to get involved.
Residents can also contact our specialist teams, including those helping with:
- decants – when we say 'decant', we mean moving from current council housing
- allocations – this means finding new council properties for our tenants
What's been agreed
We've agreed that if you are currently a council tenant of the tower blocks:
- you will move to another council home and we will remain your landlord
- your rent will remain affordable and be applicable to your new home
- no other tenancy conditions will be changed
- Right To Buy rights and discounts will not change as a result of the move
- we'll work to get your home move right first time so you'll only need to move once, if that's what you choose
- we'll give extra support to vulnerable residents before, during and after their move
- we'll pay you compensation for home loss
- we'll pay you a disturbance allowance to cover the cost of moving
- once works are completed, you'll have the option to return to new homes
Read our residents' design charter for more of what we've agreed with residents.
Our design overview – north and design overview – south show architects' drawings of the current preferred design options.