In 2021, structural and build concerns were identified at Bouverie Court and the adjoining Easton Road properties. This meant that in the event of fire, the construction of the building would not provide the full level of protection to residents that we would expect.
As soon as these issues were identified we worked closely with the local fire service to implement a number of interim safety measures that would ensure that there was an appropriate level of building safety until a longer-term plan was agreed. This included changes to the fire strategy and upgrades to the fire and heat detection systems throughout the building.
Over the last four years we have been trying to find a solution and funding to address the further work that is required to the building to ensure it meets the required standard of safety and build quality on a permanent basis.
Since 2022, Elim has been trying to pursue a legal claim against the original build contractor, ISG Pearce, to obtain the funds we need to carry out the works at the building.
In September 2024, ISG became insolvent and collapsed into legal administration. This meant that we could no longer progress our claim, and there was no opportunity for Elim to recover the cost of resolving the building issues.
Since September 2024, Elim’s board and leadership team have reviewed all the options available for Bouverie Court and the adjoining properties on Easton Road, and how we might be able to fund the works needed at the property.
All options would have required the temporary (at least for a year) or permanent moving of residents from their homes. Unfortunately, due to the total cost of the building work and moving residents from their homes, we came to the decision in December 2024 that the demolition of the building was the most appropriate and financially viable option for Bouverie Court and the adjoining properties on Easton Road.
We have decided to give residents up to a year to find somewhere else to live. We know it is very difficult to find new homes at present and we will work with you over that time to help you find a new home. We will work with the Council and other housing associations to help you find something. Therefore, we are expecting residents to have moved to alternative accommodation by March 2026.
Elim has notified Bristol City Council of our intention to demolish the properties. You are encouraged to complete a HomeChoice application as soon as possible. Elim will support any customers to make an application.
Elim will support all residents to try and find alternative accommodation. However, to meet our target of March 2026 for demolition/sale (with a clause for demolition), any household who has not arranged to move out of their home by October 2025 will receive a Notice of Possession Proceedings based on the Housing Act 1988 Sch 2 Ground 6: Demolition or Reconstruction (mandatory).
You will then have 28 days to seek independent legal advice before we contact you to understand how you intend to proceed. We will then decide whether we need to make an application to Court for possession of the property. Legal action will always be our last resort and we will do our best to support you to identify suitable alternative accommodation
The amount of compensation provided for loss of a home is specified in legislation and changes from time to time. The statutory home loss payment for someone renting their home is currently £8,100. You will receive this payment immediately after you have moved. Elim will also contribute towards the financial costs involved in moving home.
Day to day matters will remain the responsibility of your Housing Officer, Teneshia Taylor, at t.taylor@elimhousing.co.uk.
Any issues or questions relating to the process of moving to alternative accommodation should be directed to Head of Housing Services, Nick Jermyn on 01454 532362 or n.jermyn@elimhousing.co.uk. All correspondence received will be reviewed and responded to on a weekly basis.
During February 2025, we visited every household impacted by this situation. We used these visits to understand your individual needs and to identify if you required any specific support, including help with completing forms.
Elim have agreed to schedule monthly updates (by phone, email or in person depending on your preference) to understand any changes to your circumstances and to continue to signpost for support and monitor progress in identifying alternative accommodation.
You will not be able to mutual exchange with another tenant. Depending on your circumstances you may have four options:
Your home is currently safe because we have undertaken actions that protect you all in the short to medium term. This includes the change of the communal alarm system which was extended to include heat detectors within all apartments. Upgrades were also carried out to the communal alarm sounders at Bouverie Court.
The communal alarm system at Bouverie Court is also fitted with remote monitoring equipment. This means that any activation of the alarm will notify the fire brigade via a specialist 24-hour call centre so they can respond without delay.
The communal areas have automatically opening smoke control ventilation linked to the fire alarm and these open to evacuate any smoke for the communal areas in the event of a fire. Emergency lighting is also fitted so in the event of a power failure lighting is provided to evacuate the building. Each flat is fitted with its own individual heat and smoke detectors linked to the main fire panel.
These measures do not address the full extent of the issues with the building, and so the property is still not suitable on a long-term basis.
We are working with the Fire authority to ensure that these interim fire safety measures are sufficient for the period until all the residents have been found alternative accommodation and have moved out. We may still need to do some further works upgrades during the next year to ensure that safety is maintained.
We shall maintain a normal general repairs service during this time.
You will still be required to pay rent and service charge for the duration of time that you live in your home. We have taken the decision to freeze your rent or service charge for the next year, so you will continue to pay the same amount as you have since April 2024. Any customer who fails to pay their rent and service charge will be managed via our recovery process which may include legal proceedings if a sustainable payment arrangement is not agreed.
Prior to moving out you must clear any outstanding rent arrears or recharges. Elim cannot deduct outstanding debts from your Home Loss payment of £8,100 but you can use that to clear any debt with us. Any customer refusing to make an arrangement and keeping to that arrangement to clear their debt/s will regrettably result in legal proceedings. You also need to be aware that any debt may prevent you from being accepted for alternative accommodation.
When you identify alternative accommodation, you will need to provide Elim with 4 weeks’ notice to terminate your existing tenancy.
Bristol City Council’s HomeChoice Team have provided the following comment and advice, this is available to read here.
More information can be found on their website - www.homechoicebristol.co.uk/content/Information
Here you can find copies of all previous newsletters and notes taken from all community sessions held.
Newsletters will be hand delivered to you by the housing team and also emailed to you, ensuring you are kept up to date.
We know how stressful this situation is for you. If you need additional support, please seek help. Below is a list of support agencies, and we can help you contact these if you wish.
Emergency support
If you need help now, and you're not sure what to do, call 111.
You can also get support from the Samaritans, get in touch about anything that's troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. Call for free on 116 123.
Who to contact
Contact your doctor (GP) to get mental health support and advice.
Find mental health support services:
We are working closely with several organisations to provide the best support for residents of Bouverie Court and Easton Road.
These organisations may participate in any resident meetings we organise, and you can find their information listed below:
The following are key dates, some of which may be subject to change depending on how circumstances develop:
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