Council chiefs have confirmed there is "no timetable for demolition" for Hebburn's final residential tower block, Durham Court, as efforts continue to relocate residents. Last June, South Tyneside Council's political leadership voted to demolish the building after weighing up several possibilities for its future.
Demolition approved as most economical option
While the council-managed property was deemed safe, surveys revealed it needed "significant investment" and modernisation, with several alternatives considered, including direct investment, demolition, or sale or transfer to another housing provider. The demolition route, approved by the council's then Labour administration, was identified as the "most economically advantageous option".
Council documents at the time detailed how the 18-storey block, which caters for the over 55s, dates from 1974 and contains 111 flats, of which 70 were occupied, with "96 occupants" living in the building, most aged over 65.
Residents relocation progress
Local authority bosses added no deadlines had been established for when the structure would be demolished, and the demolition works would not commence until all residents secured suitable alternative accommodation. At a meeting of Hebburn Community Area Forum on Monday, November 2, council officers were questioned about Durham Court's future and confirmed that while demolition had been agreed for the site, work was under way to relocate residents.
When contacted for a response, South Tyneside Council confirmed the vast majority of residents have been relocated and stated its priority remains on helping remaining households to secure appropriate alternative housing.
Next steps for the site
Councillor Steve Smith, Reform UK cabinet member for housing on the council, said "residents are at the heart of this process" and will be "fully updated throughout." He added: "We have made good progress in supporting residents at Durham Court, with the majority now rehoused and settling into their new homes."
"Our focus remains firmly on supporting those households which are still living at Durham Court to find suitable alternative accommodation, with some having requested a move to our new extra care facility Griffin Court when it opens in the new year. There is currently no timetable for demolition and work will not begin while residents remain in the building. There are a number of steps that will need to be taken as we plan for the building's future, including the submission of a planning application in due course."
In an earlier statement, the council said Durham Court residents would be "given priority for a new home" and an assessment would "establish their individual needs, including any necessary adaptations to their new property". The council has previously indicated that relocating residents and completing the demolition process would likely require approximately 3-4 years, and noted the cleared site would present opportunities for future regeneration in Hebburn town centre.
