Terminus House, an old office block in Harlow town centre, is set to be repurposed into homes. This decision follows widespread outrage from local residents, who took action after seeing how their neighbors were forced to live. Ever since its controversial conversion in 2018, the facility has been torn apart by critics for its lack of space and unsanitary conditions. In response, crime has exploded across the surrounding community.
Musician Glen Lane has been happy to call his new small studio flat in Terminus House home since its conversion. He has tagged it as “the worst place I have ever lived in.” He articulated the frustrations of living in a room just a few square metres in size, stating that it “feels like an open prison, probably worse than an open prison.” Prior to moving into Terminus House, Lane was unable to secure a place on her local council’s housing list. As soon as he moved in though, he was plagued by insect infestations that he fought off using insect powder.
… The insects were still crawling on me at night when I’m sleeping,” Lane remembered. He noted that these problems have plagued the building for the past eight months. This influx has compounded an already challenging housing market, creating a crisis of space for many locals and newcomers alike.
It was only in 2021 that the government set a minimum size of 37 square meters for new office-to-flat conversions. Unfortunately, this regulation was not retroactive and thus did not affect the case of Terminus House. Crime has increased in the neighborhood by 20% since the hotel opened. This scary trend has led city leaders to reconsider the structure’s future.
Given these fears, Harlow councillors voted unanimously in favour of a motion for the council to buy Terminus House. New Conservative leader Dan Swords said they’re in the process of getting plans completed for use of the building. They’re still debating whether to demolish it or redevelop it. He pointed at the very real, very immediate need for many millions in upgrades for the aging facility. He admitted that the way it is now “totally not what it should be.”
Caridon, the owner of Terminus House, has fiercely defended the facility. He claimed that it’s been used to provide critical assistance to hundreds of people and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. “The building has since supported hundreds of individuals and families in avoiding homelessness and finding stability during difficult periods,” Caridon stated. He understood the urgent need for immediate shelter during a period when housing is in short supply.
Emma Batrick, a charity organizer, expressed concern for the residents, stating that many would be “reeling at the news that their homes will be going.” She underscored the importance of people in this transition. She underscored that ensuring residents’ health, safety, and needs is paramount as the community moves through the redevelopment process.
James Griggs commented on the situation, noting that “sending them back somewhere else seems completely wrong,” pointing to the complexities surrounding the potential displacement of current residents during redevelopment efforts.
Glen Lane expressed a feeling of some relief over the decision to redevelop Terminus House. “I’m glad they are doing it. It definitely needs upgrading,” he concluded.
