tower blocks matter!

Tower blocks are a massive if neglected asset. They provide homes for around 800,000 people. Every demolished block means more pressure on new and existing housing, and raises the likelihood that the forecast of 4.4 million new households by 2016 may be exceeded. Most of the new households will be small - just one or two people. Conveniently, tower blocks are most suitable for small households of adults. The nation's high-rise stock therefore offers a special opportunity for responding to the need for more homes.

Tower blocks have a contribution to make to achieving an 'Urban Renaissance'. That renaissance depends upon enabling more people to live close to city centres. This cannot be done without high density housing, which means keeping tower blocks rather than knocking them down. They can thus play a pivotal role in meeting changing housing needs, helping to regenerate our cities, and protecting green-field sites from development.

Tower blocks are central to the prospects of many of the government's key strategies - on housing, best value, the modernisation of local government services, and local democracy and active citizenship. The fact that tower blocks tend to be concentrated in disadvantaged areas makes them especially significant for social inclusion and neighbourhood renewal strategies. With attention needed from so many angles, the problems on high-rise estates are crying out for joined-up government.

Making a start

Central and local government need to grasp the importance of high-rise housing in the debate about new housing demand and the future of our cities. We need new thinking and a new vision of their possibilities - for providing living space, work space and space for facilities and services. But first we need to ensure that basic improvements are made. These include:

Effective security systems Tower blocks are people's homes and access needs to be controlled. Concierge systems have been shown to work and to be popular. While they may be more expensive than other systems, they can pay benefits in terms of reduced crime and vandalism.
Improved services These include day-to-day repairs, cleaning, and upkeep of the block and grounds as well as waste removal, heat, power and water. This is the key responsibility of landlords, but tenant management should be encouraged as a way to improve these services.
Stability Improving life in a tower block requires work to try and build a stable population. Because residents are literally living on top of one another, tower block communities are particularly sensitive to inappropriate placing
of new tenants. Landlords need to recognise that tower blocks should not be used as transitory housing.

If these improvements can be made then there is the possibility of more substantial change.

Sustainable tower blocks?

Tower blocks have distinct advantages when it comes to moving towards urban living that is socially, environmentally, and economically more sustainable.

As a high density form of housing they allow housing need to be met while keeping land use to a minimum.
Tower blocks can leave a smaller 'ecological footprint' than conventional housing. They can be much more energy-efficient, and shared facilities and services, including food co-ops, community cafes and food growing, can reduce waste and save residents' money.
The refurbishment, repair, and maintenance needs of a high-rise block present opportunities for employment and training.
Tower blocks are small enough for people to know each other, while big enough to give residents clout if they act together. They have the scope to combine living, working, recreational, private, and public space all within one building.
Tower blocks can draw in benefits for the surrounding estate, since the large number of housing units can represent a critical mass to attract better support schemes; and they can host facilities and services for the wider community.
Tower blocks can provide security from crime. So long as the problem stems outside rather than inside the block, then proven mechanisms can keep it out.
And, of course, there is the view!