Recommendations have been put forward to demolish Lakanal House’s sister block, Marie Curie, rather than undergo fire safety remediation, Southwark Council has said
Following a Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment carried out at the 16-storey, 98-flat high-rise building in February 2025, extensive safety deficiencies were identified that would “contribute to the likely spread of fire or smoke”, posing a risk to people in and around the building. Marie Curie sits next to Lakanal House on the Sceaux Gardens Estate, Camberwell, and is built to the same design. In 2009, a serious fire broke out at Lakanal House, killing six residents.
At a council meeting with the Housing Scrutiny Commission on 14 October 2025, a report on the demolition recommendation revealed that whilst Southwark Council could carry out the necessary remedial works, it would “still be required to undertake ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the block does not fall into an 'intolerable' condition”.
“This status would necessitate ongoing monitoring and maintenance by the Council to manage residual risks and ensure continued compliance. Given the limitations of this approach and the long-term resource implications, the findings reinforce the need to explore alternative options, such as full demolition and redevelopment, to deliver a more robust, sustainable, and future-proof solution for resident safety,” the report said.
As reported by Southwark News, costs to retrofit and refurbish the high-rise could total up to £23 million. Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said during the council meeting: “Even with that level of investment, the block would still carry a really significant risk with it and would need continual review and monitoring.”
Alternative options laid out in the report include stripping the building back to its superstructure. However, recent structural surveys carried out at Marie Curie had identified several critical risks, including structural degradation due to humidity, insufficient reinforcement cover and carbonation, the presence of gas creating explosion hazards, and the building nearing or exceeding its original design life. Councillor Dennis noted that Marie Curie had “deteriorated to such an extent that it wouldn’t be possible to make those investments now”.
Preliminary costs for fire stopping compartmentation works, communal fire door replacement, and front entrance replacement were estimated to be just over £1 million. However, it was noted that the fire engineer who had assessed the building had provided “several caveats and exclusions which raise questions about whether this option can fully meet the new safety standards without further intervention”.
“The additional complexities associated with the new building safety legislation have significantly reshaped the regulatory framework for building design, construction, and management. It introduces a range of obligations that should be carefully managed such including expanded Duty Holder responsibilities; The ‘Golden Thread’ of information and stricter enforcement mechanisms.”
In comparison, demolition would offer a “permanent resolution to fire safety concerns”. Councillor Dennis added: “The safety of people living in our homes and estates is our top priority as a landlord.
“A specialist assessment has found Marie Curie House is a substantial fire risk, and as the building is near the end of its lifespan and beyond economical repair, we propose to empty the building and demolish it. We do not take this decision lightly and have thoroughly investigated the refurbishment option.
“Everyone in Southwark deserves a decent home to live and we will look at all options for building more council homes on the site and nearby. We are proud that Southwark has built more council homes than any other local authority landlord, with over 3,000 council homes started or completed across the borough.”
Southwark Council’s cabinet will decide whether to approve the recommendation to demolish Marie Curie in December 2025.