Bouverie Court was a former Public House which was redeveloped into 14 self-contained flats and seven houses for affordable rent in 2011. The development was built by construction contractor, ISG Pearce.

An external wall fire safety survey carried out in 2021 identified an extensive number of issues with the structure and build quality at Bouverie Court and the adjoining homes on Easton Road.

Elim Housing Association said a number of interim safety measures have been in place since then to ensure the safety of the building whilst a longer-term solution was found.

Elim was pursuing a legal claim against ISG Pearce to recover the financial sum required to carry out the remediation works at the building. After ISG became insolvent and collapsed into legal administration in September 2024, Elim was unable to progress the claim for the estimated £4 million cost of works required at Bouverie Court.

As a smaller housing association with limited funds, Elim’s board has since made the decision that it is not financially viable to undertake the remedial works at the building. 

Residents of Bouverie Court have now been informed that the properties are to be demolished in 2026.

Elim CEO, Paul Smith, said: “The decision to demolish our Bouverie Court homes was extremely difficult, and our primary concern is the welfare of our residents.

“Unfortunately, the inherited repairs, poor efficiency and structural issues identified at the scheme, along with the unviable potential long-term disruption for residents means we have taken the hard decision to demolish the properties after exhausting all other possible solutions.

“Elim is working closely with local authorities and other housing providers to support our residents during the transition period.”