Current blocks of flats fenced off to protect against loose concrete.
New homes have been found for nearly 50 households who have been living in 1960-built blocks of flats for which Milton Keynes City Council says the cost to repair them are now ‘unmanageable’.
The council says it has found new homes for 46 tenants previously living in the REEMA blocks in Bletchley, as part of a major programme to improve housing quality and plan for the future of these sites.
In 2023, the council said it would be taking a phased approach to finding new homes for REEMA blocks tenants. The four blocks: Argyll, Stirling, Edinburgh and Sawley House are now vacant, with tenants having moved into new council homes. It is expected that all REEMA blocks will be empty by the end of 2028, when they will be demolished.
While the city council says the flats are safe to live in, buildings constructed this way become more susceptible to the weather over time and the surface of the concrete can become loose.
“Following assessments, it was clear that the type and cost of repairs required to keep these old buildings to an expected standard would become unmanageable,” said a spokesperson.
“Fencing remains around some areas of the blocks to protect residents from loose concrete. Scaffolding is also in place to allow ongoing monitoring and any surface repairs needed.”
“We’re pleased to have supported our tenants into new homes and we’ll continue working with residents in the remaining two phases,” said Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing.
“This goes beyond just moving people – it’s about giving families somewhere decent to live and a fresh start. With Phase 1 complete, we can also start looking ahead and begin shaping the future of these sites, which includes looking for ways to secure funding and build new council homes.”
