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Estate neighbouring Grenfell Tower gets £27.9m extra refurbishment funding
The refurbishment of the Lancaster West Estate, which neighbours Grenfell Tower, has received an extra £27.9m in funding, bringing the total spent on the estate to £57.9m.
At a meeting on Tuesday night, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s (RBKC) cabinet voted to boost the amount it is spending on refurbishing the estate, which Grenfell was once a part of.
It put £18m of council funds into the project along with £9.9m, which it said was only possible because of a grant for the same amount provided by the government to cover ongoing Grenfell-related costs.
According to the council, these funds will pay for double-glazed windows, updated heating systems, and opportunities for local people in the form of jobs and apprenticeships.
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Grenfell Tower, where a huge fire killed 72 people in June 2017, overlooks the estate, which has seen many residents forced to move out due to post-traumatic stress disorder associated with seeing the tower.
Kim Taylor-Smith, deputy leader of RBKC, said: “The refurbishment of the Lancaster West Estate continues to be a huge priority for us. The work is guided by the priorities of residents, improvements have been collaboratively co-designed with them and residents will continue to be involved at every step.
“I’m proud this funding will help us create what could be a model for 21st century social housing as well as a great place to live.”
One hundred and twenty-nine families from the estate were declared homeless as a result of the Grenfell fire. Some have since moved back onto the estate but 39 are still in temporary accommodation. Forty-four have been rehoused permanently.
Former housing secretary James Brokenshire said: “Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, we have provided financial assistance to the council to ensure the community receive the support they need.
“I recognise the continuing importance of this work, which is why we have provided a further £9.9m to help meet ongoing costs.
“This will enable the council to invest in the refurbishment of Lancaster West – which remains critical in supporting the community’s recovery.”
