BROOKE House has been labelled “an eyesore” as Basildon’s council leader admits work needs doing to understand the community’s views on the 1960’s tower block.

The council has been in the process of moving residents to alternative accommodation as it considers the future of the building.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the council has gone back to the drawing board and “all options are on the table” over the future of the listed building, despite a refurbishment plan costing £16million being agreed by the previous administration. 

Barbara Jones and Pauline Zarfati have never been fond of Brooke HouseBarbara Jones and Pauline Zarfati have never been fond of Brooke House (Image: George Pizani)


Council officers have said the building poses significant refurbishment challenges and Labour leader Gavin Callaghan has expressed a desire to hear the public’s views on it’s future.

Barbara Jones, 74, is a Basildon resident who has always felt town centre accommodation such as Brooke House brought more issues than benefits. She also sees the building as outdated and unattractive.

She said: “I don’t think it was ever a good idea to have accommodation so central in the town. It’s not a good atmosphere to have people living in the middle of where people shop. It’s just an eyesore really.” 

Gavin Callaghan has expressed a desire to hear resident's views on the tower blockGavin Callaghan has expressed a desire to hear resident's views on the tower block (Image: George Pizani)
Pauline Zarfati, 77, agreed that town centre accommodation wasn’t ideal, but also explained how it is in Basildon’s DNA to provide innovative housing solutions.

She said: “The original purpose of Basildon was to offer a better quality of life to people living in poverty in the east end. I would like to see the building returned to council or truly affordable private accommodation.”

 

The imposing structure was built in 1962The imposing structure was built in 1962 (Image: George Pizani) Last week, Mr Callaghan said: “I don’t think we have a view from the public on Brooke House. We’re going to need to do a piece of work to see if it is considered a sentimental building that shouldn’t be touched or if residents would be pleased to see it go.”

The image of Brooke House as an integral part of the town’s character is something few residents discuss. While some admit it would be strange to see the building gone, most appear to prefer the idea of it being demolished - despite its listed building status.

“It’s not a nice building to look at, and probably less nice to be in. I’m not sure any amount of work would really improve it,” said 32-year-old Jodie Mills.