Housing trust blames contractor bankruptcy for failure to complete work on seven flats, reports James Cracknell

The new block of flats in Linwood Crescent

A brand new block of seven affordable flats in Enfield has stood empty and unoccupied for over a year because a contractor went bankrupt, the Dispatch can reveal.

External construction work on the four-storey block in Linwood Crescent was completed in March 2022, with only the internal fittings and decoration left to make the flats habitable, but the site has remained fenced off since then with no sign of any progress being made.

The Newlon Housing Trust scheme has been part-funded by the Mayor of London as a small-site development providing “general needs” affordable housing in the borough. Explaining why it has not been completed and the flats not put on the market, a Newlon spokesperson said: “We understand the concern about the building in Linwood Crescent.

“Unfortunately the original contractor went bankrupt and therefore works on the building stopped. We have been through the necessary procurement process to appoint a new contractor and they will be starting on site shortly.

“Although the building may appear to be complete from the outside it is not currently habitable as a considerable amount of internal works are still required. We estimate a programme time of roughly six months to complete works once the new contractor starts on site.

“This situation is frustrating for us and we are working as quickly as possible to get the works completed and to move people in.”

Enfield is currently experiencing an escalating homelessness crisis with around 200 families currently stuck living in hotels because Enfield Council has nowhere better to put them.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “This site is part-funded by City Hall and is being redeveloped by Newlon Housing Trust to provide new affordable homes.

“Works on the building had to be paused because the original contractor went bankrupt, but Newlon have now appointed a new contractor who will be starting on site shortly.”

Enfield Council was approached for comment.

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