Demolition of York House on track despite 'minor delays'

Work to demolish 112 flats at York House, on Idlethorp Way in Thorpe Edge, started about three weeks ago and social housing provider Incommunities says “significant headway” has been made on the project.

Stephanie Marley, Head of Development at Incommunities, said: “We are pleased to report that the demolition of York House remains on track for completion by the end of the year.

'Significant headway' is being made on demolition of York House (Image: Newsquest)

“While we experienced some minor delays including machinery arriving slightly later than expected, overall progress is going well.

“Metropolitan is making significant headway on the project.

“We are actively developing new plans for the site once it has been cleared.

“As these plans take shape, we look forward to engaging with the local community and sharing further details in the near future.”

Demolition of York House is well underway (Image: Jacky Harland-Waide)

In 2022, Incommunities announced plans to decommission the eight-storey building, and residents moved to other properties.

In the wake of mounting complaints from residents, Incommunities began a consultation with its customers.

In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for Incommunities said: "Over the past few years, we have seen a decrease in interest from our customers in mid-rise flats, with homes in York House becoming harder to let, less desirable and more difficult to heat and maintain, which means they are no longer seen as aspirational or financially viable options for customers.

York House as it was before the demolition (Image: Newsquest)

Last year, an application to demolish the building, which included 112 flats and a shop, was submitted.

Although the work is expected to be finished by the end of this year, in recent weeks residents have spoken about the building’s history.

Shortly after demolition started, Jacky Harland-Waide, who lives near the site, said: "York House was a lovely building in the earlier years but now for some people it's a blessing it's getting demolished.

"If walls could talk what stories would be told..."

Some readers also shared memories on Facebook.

Denise Dempsey recalled: “My aunt and uncle were among the first tenants. Top floor in the late 1950s, relocated from Barkerend Road when the houses were compulsory purchased.”

Victor Lynette Hall wrote: “Can’t understand why such a big block of flats was built on Thorpe Edge. There were so many lovely houses built, I had lots of friends on that estate.

“I lived on Ravenscliffe, my mum and her family were the first residents to move there. Happy memories.”

Jean Ann Chippendale: “Used to be high end when they were first built but now time to come down.”