Livv Housing confirmed it plans to replace the tower blocks by building new homes on the site
Knowsley Heights(Image: Google)
Residents of a Huyton estate have been told their homes will be torn down after a consultation process showed overwhelming support for demolishing the two tower blocks, according to the housing association.
Since its unveiling in 1962, Knowsley Heights has experienced a storied and troubled history. In many ways, the tower blocks reflect the fate of so many other high-rise developments which were thrown up during the post-war building boom.
These tower blocks came to be known as “cities in the sky” and were inspired by the design principles developed by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier. The large and imposing concrete structures began appearing across the UK as local authorities cleared slum housing estates and built upwards.
However, many of these blocks fell into disrepair – some almost immediately – and became increasingly unpopular. Many high-rise blocks went onto to be called “sink estates” due to their association with urban blight and social problems.
Aftermath of a fire at Knowsley Heights, Huyton, Liverpool. 5th April 1991.(Image: Mirrorpix)
As the decades passed, more and more tower blocks were torn down while those that remained seemed only to have a stay of execution. Knowsley Heights is the latest high-rise estate in Merseyside set for demolition.
The Liverpool ECHO has seen a letter sent out from Livv Housing to residents at Knowsley Heights on August 14, which reads: “Following consultation with our customers and consideration of their thoughts, the decision has now been made to proceed with the demolition of Knowsley Heights.
“Our priority now is our customers, and we’ll be working closely with every household to support them through the process of finding a new home and moving out of Knowsley Heights. Our plans for demolition are in the very early stages and nothing has been decided at this point. However, we’ll begin detailed planning soon.”
Livv Housing confirmed that its consultation with residents resulted in 84% of people approving of its proposals, adding: “The decision has been made to demolish the buildings.
“As communicated directly with our customers, there are multiple reasons this decision has been made, including the financial viability of repairing, maintaining and upgrading the existing buildings.
“Also, demolishing the apartments at Knowsley Heights, which aren’t as modern or energy efficient as they could be, will give us the opportunity to regenerate the area and build new homes that will meet future Decent Homes Standards and create a community which actively supports and promotes people’s health and wellbeing.
“At the moment, our Knowsley Heights customers are our main priority and we’re working with them individually to find new homes that meet their needs and support them throughout the process.
“A full support package is in place that will help customers financially and practically and they can contact our housing advisors any way that suits them.
“Currently, no plans for the site have been confirmed as our key focus remains the people who currently call Knowsley Heights home.”