Colliers Wood tower AC split sparks outrage
Residents in temporary accommodation reported extreme heat while private tenants had working air conditioning.
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Residents in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point, a 19-storey tower block in Colliers Wood, have reported extreme heat after their air conditioning was switched off. Temperatures inside some flats reportedly exceeded 40C during recent heatwaves. This occurred while private tenants in the same building continued to have functioning air conditioning.
The situation has drawn strong criticism, with one local councillor describing it as a 'tale of two temperatures with a clear message: if you're poor, you can sweat.' Families reported struggling to cope with the heat, with some children taken to hospital due to heat-related illnesses. One mother told London Centric her two-year-old son collapsed.
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Building Management Response
When residents complained, building management reportedly stated in an email that the air conditioning units had 'not been offered as an amenity' for tenancies managed through temporary accommodation providers. Residents were advised to use portable fans or units at their own arrangement, subject to safety requirements.
The building is owned by Colliers Wood Investment Limited, an offshore company, with Criterion Capital acting as the freeholder. Criterion Capital representatives stated that questions regarding the air conditioning should be directed to Aura Assets Management and People First Housing, the companies that lease flats from Criterion Capital to house homeless individuals.
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Sadiq Khan's office has commented on the situation, with a spokesperson calling it 'completely unacceptable'. The mayor's office stated that temporary accommodation should meet basic living standards and that they were assured the local council was working to hold building management accountable and protect residents.
The issue was first reported by Peter Walker of The Guardian. London Centric has previously reported on Britannia Point, including revelations about the eviction of long-term private tenants and the use of non-existent electricians for safety certificates.
Questions this report answers
+Why were temporary accommodation residents left without air conditioning?
Building management stated that air conditioning was 'not offered as an amenity' for temporary accommodation tenancies. This means the units were switched off for these residents while private tenants kept theirs working throughout the summer.
+How hot did it get inside the flats?
Residents reported indoor temperatures exceeding 40C during recent heatwaves. This extreme heat led to some children being hospitalised due to heat-related illnesses, including one two-year-old boy who collapsed.
+Who is responsible for fixing this issue?
Criterion Capital, the freeholder, directed questions to Aura Assets Management and People First Housing, the companies leasing flats for temporary accommodation. The mayor’s office has also pledged to hold building management accountable.
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