The most hated building in London looks set to be around for some time as lack of funding is preventing any redevelopment of the Colliers Wood Tower.
The most hated building in London looks set to be around for some time as lack of funding is preventing any redevelopment of the Colliers Wood Tower.
The tower has been abandoned for nearly a year and although the owners have secured planning permission, the economic climate is restricting development possibilities.
London Mayor Boris Johnson was considering pumping funds into a regeneration of the site but that is apparently no longer possible.
“We do not have funding available for such a project,” said Shelley Gould, the Senior Strategic Planner at the Greater London Authority.
Ms Gould says that even though the GLA won’t fund a redevelopment, they are keen to make steps to ensure progress is made.
“The Mayor appreciates that something must be done to solve the problem of the tower.
“We are organising a meeting with Merton Council and the London Development Agency with a view to progressing a viable solution for the site.”
The appearance of the building worsened when falling debris forced the owners to cover parts of the building with green mesh.
Rumours of anti-social behaviour have surfaced since the tower was abandoned with drug users occupying the car park and even amateur porn being filmed on site.
Merton Council admits that the tower is a problem but say they’re not in a position to dictate proceedings.
“There is no doubt that the building blight’s the area,” said cabinet member for finance and regeneration Councillor Diane Mills.
“We have no power to force the owner to implement the planning permission that was granted.
“We are however encouraging them to develop a scheme that is economically viable and meets our regeneration objectives for the area. “
Councillor Mills added that the council would be continuing to monitor the site to make sure public safety is maintained.
Colliers Wood resident Paul Maloney said: “It’s really disgusting to be honest with you.
“To be voted the most hated building in the whole of London takes some doing but it really is a worthy winner.
“It just seems as though it’s being left to crumble away and the council don’t appear to be doing anything about it.”
Given its precarious position on top of a Tube line the tower would have to be taken down brick by brick.
The owners of the tower have said that their aim of turning the site into flats can’t happen until the recession eases.
With all parties refusing to part with their cash, the tower has an indefinite breather from the demolition men.
