The former Redstone House in Harlow, now known as Endeavour House, shortly after opening. Fresh off a complete safety reassessment, it’s once again opening its doors to tenants! Earlier this summer, to great relief from many, the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service lifted the ban and enforcement notice. This move removed much of the residential space from the for-rent market. This comes after another evacuation in May that sent over 20 families fleeing after being evacuated for fire safety violations.
Redstone House, a conversion from an existing 1970s office block, was ridiculed. To their horror, it was found that residents would have a hard time evacuating quickly in a worst-case scenario emergency. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on the heart of residents like Joseph Abban. This 45-year-old private renter was living in the apartment with his young daughter. It has been a long struggle for Abban to permanently resettle in the time since the evacuation occurred. His disability complicates matters even further, particularly when the lifts aren’t working and he can’t take them to leave the building.
Since their meeting, Dave Bond, area manager for the property, assured that the required safety improvements have been made. He stated, “The required work at Endeavour House has been completed and inspected, allowing the prohibition and enforcement notices to be lifted.” Such encouragement is welcome news, as two-bedroom apartments at Endeavour House are being pre-leased.
Harlow Council has today repeated its commitment to ensuring tenants are able to feel and be safe in their homes. A spokesperson emphasized, “We have a zero-tolerance approach to private-sector landlords who do not provide safe accommodation.” This statement is emblematic of the council’s commitment to upholding fair and quality housing in their community.
Endeavour House’s dramatic, cutting-edge design opens to welcome the public. Its glass addition boasts an impressive twenty-six windows, showering the living areas in light and enhancing beauty and charm. The redevelopment of Redstone House is part of a broader trend in Harlow, where approximately 12 former office blocks have been transformed into residential units in recent years.
Families are moving in to their new block at Endeavour House. The local community continues to remain hopeful that the mistakes made in the past will lead to brighter promises in providing safer, more vibrant places where people can live for all.
