new-build flat evacuation, USA News (London): Hundreds of renters and homeowners in three east London apartment blocks were suddenly evacuated from their homes after being told they are at risk of collapse. Residents living in more than 200 apartments across three blocks in Canning Town, east London, were ordered to leave because of serious structural issues which pose a risk to life.
Many residents in Centurion Tower, Sovereign Tower and St Vincent Court—which are less than 10 years old and part of the Royal Gateway development—were evacuated at around 2am on a Saturday and still have no idea when they will be able to return.
Matt Finch, 38, only found out he had to flee his one-bedroom flat, which he bought as a new-build for £335,000 in 2018, after police knocked on his door in the early hours because he had missed an alert sent to a residents’ WhatsApp group. He stated he was confused and worried, and hastily put together a backpack containing medication, a couple of sets of clothes, and his laptop to continue working. Mr Finch is now living with his dad in Kent and is concerned about his investment in Centurion Tower.
Ashwin Wilson, 44, renting a one-bedroom flat in Sovereign Tower for £2,375 a month since 2024, said Newham Council could only offer a mattress on the floor in a local community centre for one night when evacuated. He and his wife are currently staying with friends. Mr Wilson noted that his landlord offered to let them end their tenancy early and refunded the month’s rent, but pointed out there has been zero communication about ongoing plans or reimbursement for costs.
The evacuation followed a letter warning that structural issues in the buildings could result in a collapse. Prime Property Management, which manages the development, stated the risk is linked to cracks and sagging in transfer slabs beneath the three blocks, built by British housebuilder Galliard in 2018. Transfer slabs help support the weight of columns and walls above. The issues resemble those that forced an evacuation at the Stratford Halo estate in east London the previous Christmas.
Newham Council reported it set up a rest centre and provided emergency accommodation on the night of the evacuation, urging residents to contact Prime Property Management for longer-term support. Prime Property Management stated the issue was raised by engineers preparing building safety cases, noting safety is their immediate priority and they aim to enable residents to return as quickly as possible.
