heygate estate elephant & castle awaiting demolition for the enrichment of private investors

inside the estate it is quiet, this is what was requested of the architect - that it would be a peaceful refuge in spite of the close proximity of the old kent road and the walworth road, and he succeeded - the concrete acting as a sound barrier. when discussions were afoot with regard to "regenerating" the elephant and castle area, a survey was done to ascertain the condition of the heygate buildings. they were found to be in a very sound state and the advise was not to demolish them as it would be a waste of soundly built stock. the advise was to lower the height of some of the blocks to make them more human scaled. this advice was not heeded.  southwark council and developers have decided it will be completely demolished and the tenants have been kicked out of their perfectly sound homes. what a criminal waste. note the lovely mature trees in the large green space at the centre of the estate. thank you to southwark notes for yesterdays's tour.                                  

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