‘I knew everyone here’: the tower block with 164 boarded-up homes – and a few residents who just won’t leave

TL;DR

Lund Point, a tower block in east London, has only four occupied flats remaining from 168, with the rest boarded up. Residents who remain express attachment, but the building faces neglect and uncertain future.

Lund Point, a tower block in Stratford, east London, now has only four occupied flats out of 168, with the rest boarded up and abandoned, highlighting ongoing issues of neglect and stalled redevelopment plans.

Once a vibrant community, Lund Point was built in the late 1960s as part of a council housing expansion. Today, only four flats remain occupied, with the rest sealed off with steel security doors and in a state of disrepair. Residents like Tee Fabikun, who has lived there since 1997, continue to hold emotional ties to the building, despite the decline. Fabikun describes her neighbors, many of whom have left or been forced out, and says she still feels safe in her flat, although the building is now largely empty and neglected.

Warren Lubin, a resident since 1997, confirms the building’s current poor condition, citing missing cladding, broken windows, and rubbish-filled entrances. He notes that only one lift is operational, and pigeons and rats are common nuisances. Lubin, who has become a spokesperson for some residents, criticizes the estate’s management and the delays in redevelopment promised by local authorities.

Why It Matters

This situation exemplifies broader issues facing many London council estates, including neglect, delayed regeneration projects, and the social impact of abandonment. The decline of Lund Point raises questions about the effectiveness of estate regeneration policies and the future of remaining residents.

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Background

Lund Point was part of the Carpenters estate, built in 1967-8, comprising three tower blocks and low-rise housing, intended as modern council homes. Over decades, maintenance was neglected, leading to deterioration. A long-running regeneration plan was initiated around 2004 but has faced repeated delays, leaving many buildings in disrepair and residents displaced or feeling abandoned. The estate’s decline reflects wider trends of urban renewal and neglect in London’s social housing sector.

“I knew everyone. If you got into the lift with someone you didn’t know, by the time you got out you knew each other.”

— Tee Fabikun

“It’s a mess at the moment, so I’ll come down to Tee’s. I like the view, but the building is falling apart.”

— Warren Lubin

“This is a scandal, an example of everything that’s wrong with estate regeneration.”

— Chris Bailey, Action on Empty Homes

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What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear what the future holds for Lund Point, whether redevelopment will proceed soon, or if residents will be permanently displaced. The timeline for any renewal plans remains uncertain, and the full extent of structural issues is still being assessed.

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What’s Next

Next steps include ongoing discussions between residents, community groups, and local authorities. There may be plans for refurbishment or redevelopment, but no firm timeline has been announced. Monitoring developments and resident advocacy will be key in shaping Lund Point’s future.

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Key Questions

Why are so many flats in Lund Point boarded up?

The flats are boarded up due to neglect, disrepair, and delayed redevelopment plans. Many buildings have structural issues and safety concerns, leading authorities to seal off unoccupied flats.

Are residents still living in Lund Point?

Yes, four flats are still occupied, including those of Tee Fabikun and Warren Lubin, but most residents have left or been displaced over the years.

What caused the decline of Lund Point?

Decades of neglect, insufficient maintenance, and delays in redevelopment plans contributed to the building’s deterioration and abandonment.

What are the authorities doing about the estate’s condition?

Local authorities have announced redevelopment plans, but progress has been slow, and no definitive timeline for renewal has been confirmed.

Source: Guardian Life

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