Demolition finally begins on 1960s housing estate

Demolition has finally begun on a 1960s housing estate in Coventry as part of a £120m regeneration project of the area.

Social housing provider Citizen has began demolishing the 158 empty homes in Kerry, Milestone and Trafalgar Houses in Spon End, Coventry, in the project's first phase.

Work took place inside the home to take down all the fixtures and fittings in April, despite demolition plans supposed to have started two years ago.

The project will see 750 homes built across three phases, subject to planning permission.

Demolition had been due to begin in spring 2023, but Coventry City Council only gave the go-ahead last June.

The three tower blocks being demolished have recently been used in various BBC productions, including This Town, My Name is Leon and Phoenix Rise.

They are due to be replaced by 262 new affordable flats as part the regeneration of the area, announced in 2019.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, told the BBC the project will create a new community in affordable social rented homes.

Speaking at the site of the demolition on Wednesday, he said: "I'm here today to visit this fantastic regeneration project.

"Some outdated insecure and expensive homes to run are being demolished and a new community is being built here.

"Delivering more affordable homes is one of my main priorities. I want to see more projects like this built, not just in Coventry but across the West Midlands."

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