A block of Central London flats plagued by years of delays are expected to have cost the local authority over 25 per cent more than originally estimated, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal.
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
A block of Central London flats plagued by years of delays are expected to have cost the local authority over 25 per cent more than originally estimated, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal.
The 66 homes built at Black Raven Court, on the edge of the City’s Golden Lane Estate, though technically just over the border in Islington, have faced a series of issues which held up completion and prevented residents moving in.
These included a dispute with the former contractor, ISG, over a type of board used, the later collapse of ISG, and the need to secure a Building Control Completion Certificate. The pandemic and other supply-chain issues also contributed to the scheme having to be pushed back.
Developed by the City of London Corporation, the block is on the same site and is part of the same project as the City of London Primary Academy Islington (COLPAI).
The 66 flats are being split between City and Islington residents, and tenants finally began moving in on February 23.
Upon the completion of the homes the Corporation said the new properties feature “contemporary kitchens, generous living space and energy-efficient design to ensure comfortable, affordable homes for individuals and families”.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “We believe that our residents deserve a safe, secure, and genuinely affordable place to live – and developments like Black Raven Court are at the heart of that.”
In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request submitted by the LDRS, the Corporation has revealed that the delays to the homes being occupied have resulted in a significant rise in anticipated costs.
The response details how the original estimated cost of £33.43 million at the point of entering into the contract in November 2018 is expected to be overshot by almost £9m, at £42.1m.
It also reveals how the residential tower was originally earmarked to be completed in summer 2021, almost five years ago.
Sue Pearson, Chair of the Golden Lane Estate Residents’ Association, said: “An over 25 per cent increase in the planned cost of Black Raven Court is shocking. Added to this the loss of 66 homes for families and the loss in income for the years that the block has been empty has meant that the Housing Revenue Account has not had the funds to do the urgent repairs and renovations to our homes.”
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: “We recognise that Black Raven Court took longer than originally planned to complete and that the final cost was higher than first estimated, and we regret the frustration this caused.
“Large and complex building projects can often be subject to delays and higher than expected costs, and in this case these arose from a combination of factors beyond our control.
“Despite these challenges, Black Raven Court is now providing 66 high‑quality social rented homes, built to modern safety and sustainability standards.
“The opening of this development and our other new social housing scheme in Sydenham Hill, come as the City Corporation invests over £300m in its housing stock, improving existing homes and delivering safe, high‑quality homes at social housing rents for tenants.
“We routinely review major projects, and the experience at Black Raven Court will inform how we manage risk, programme and contractor oversight on future schemes.”
