People living right next to the tower have been waiting for renovation work to be completed since the tragedy took place in 2017
Residents who witnessed the horror of the Grenfell Tower fire on their doorstep say they are still living on a building site nearly a decade later.
People living right next to the tower, on the 826-home Lancaster West Estate, were promised a refurbishment, shortly after the fire took place in 2017. Originally intended to be completed by 2020, the project has been subject to changes, delays and increasing costs.
In early 2018, it was estimated that the refurbishment would cost £118million. A council report from May 2025 said this estimate had increased to £244m.
People living on the Lancaster West Estate say there has been significant disruption, including loud noise from the works. Sam Wordy, 45, who has lived in Hurstway Walk his whole life, said nearly 10 years later, the estate is like a “building site next to a murder scene”.
“I was there on that night – watching people burn to death – my friends and loved ones,” Mr Wordy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Maria Escudero, 75, told the LDRS that she had to move from her flat in Treadgold House to another part of the estate nearly three years ago. This was so that construction works – which she says were meant to take around seven months – could be completed. Her new flat has left her with “aches and pains” because there are more steps at the property.
“I expected there would be some action, but – nothing. They do scaffolding here and scaffolding there. I told them – you let me transfer from one construction site to another construction site,” she said.
She told the LDRS she hoped that she would “still be here” by the time that the construction works have been completed.
David O’Connell, 56, is a leaseholder who has lived on the estate for 17 years. He describes himself as a “newcomer” compared to the long-standing established community that makes up a lot of Lancaster West.
“The tragedy of the tower and what happened here really had a massive impact and it’s really damaged the way people feel. I mean it’s been really hard for people, and then, on top of that, to live in what is a continuous building site with everything in a state of flux and all these building works going on, has been really detrimental and it would be really useful to a have a finishing point for all of this,” he said.
In 2020, the scope of the refurbishment was significantly extended after the council decided to commit to making the estate carbon neutral by 2030. Despite millions of pounds being spent, residents say the basics on the estate had not yet been completed – including finishing pipe work, fixing the heating system and getting the windows changed.
Mr O’Connell said: “At least one week a year there’s a major failure in the heating system so it doesn’t work the same way it used to. People’s flats are not as warm as they used to be and people are just not happy about the whole living situation. You can imagine, I mean people have got windows that are basically falling out so what we’re asking is that the council grab hold of this project and start doing some of the things people want, which are new windows; it’s a new door system, and just basic stuff that works.”
Triple glazed windows have been installed in 30 homes so far, the council says. More than 65 per cent of homes have also had their internal refurbishment completed. Kensington and Chelsea Council will also be investing in the Notting Dale Heat Network which is set to provide the area with renewable and reliable heating and water in 2027.
‘We’re grateful for residents’ patience’
A council spokesperson said: “We know living alongside major building works is difficult, and we’re grateful for our residents’ patience as we continue to improve their homes and refurbish the Lancaster West Estate. We have co-designed an extensive respite offer including alternative properties, community and work spaces, and a range of measures to manage noise and disruption. We take concerns seriously and work closely with contractors to minimise disruption wherever we can.
“So far, we’ve completed internal refurbishment work in 65 per cent of homes on the estate, with improvements ranging from installing new heating systems, kitchens and bathrooms. Residents have been involved throughout and have been instrumental in shaping the programme. That level of co‑design takes time, but it’s essential that the work reflects what residents want and need.
“We have committed more than £100m to refurbish Lancaster West. We recognise that further funding is required and, on behalf of the LWRA [Lancaster West Residents Association], are working closely with the Government to secure further funding.”
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