Colliers Wood Tower Block Residents Demand Written Eviction Guarantee
Hundreds of residents at the 19-storey Britannia Point tower block in Colliers Wood have been verbally reassured they will not face mass eviction, but they are demanding written confirmation from the property owner, Criterion Capital. Campaigners had previously described the situation as potentially "one of the worst mass evictions in London's recent history", sparking widespread concern and political intervention.
Verbal Assurances Amid Lingering Fears
According to residents, representatives from Criterion Capital informed them on Monday, February 23, that rumors of a mass eviction were unfounded. However, without any written documentation, tenants remain anxious about their security. Criterion Capital, which is controlled by billionaire landlord Asif Aziz, has not responded to official requests for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, adding to the uncertainty.
The initial scare emerged over the weekend when private tenants reported receiving two-month Section 21 'no-fault' eviction notices, despite being up-to-date with rent and maintaining their properties. Some were even encouraged to leave sooner, raising alarms about potential displacement just before new tenant protections take effect.
Political Pressure and Legislative Context
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the supposed eviction plans as "completely unacceptable", while his deputy for housing, Tom Copley, directly appealed to Asif Aziz to reconsider. Copley emphasized that evicting tenants shortly before the Renters' Rights Act comes into force in May—which will ban Section 21 evictions—would be a "short-sighted and cynical attempt to bypass the rules".
Following days of backlash, Criterion representatives reportedly told residents in person that the eviction rumors were a misunderstanding. While some view this as a victory, Colliers Wood Labour Councillor Stuart Neaverson insists that key questions remain unanswered. He highlighted that the two-month notice period is still active and must be formally withdrawn to provide real relief.
Calls for Transparency and Written Proof
The Labour team representing Colliers Wood, including MP Siobhain McDonagh and councillors Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Stuart Neaverson, and Joanna Sieradzinska, sent a letter to Asif Aziz on Wednesday, February 25. They welcomed the verbal confirmation but urged for written proof that eviction notices have been formally rescinded. The letter noted a lack of further communication from Criterion and pointed to "conflicting messages", such as a resident being told by the head office that a Section 21 notice would not be withdrawn.
Additionally, several residents missed door-to-door visits by Criterion staff or received no follow-up, leaving them in the dark about their status. This inconsistency has fueled distrust, with Merton's Labour Council expressing skepticism based on past dealings with the company.
Background and Broader Implications
Britannia Point, comprising 182 flats, is part of Asif Aziz's extensive property portfolio, which includes other tower blocks like Delta Point and Canterbury House in Croydon. Reports suggest that Criterion Capital may have planned to replace evicted tenants with more profitable temporary accommodation tenants funded by local councils, ahead of the new Renters' Rights Act. Six London councils—Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Tower Hamlets—currently use the building for temporary accommodation, though Merton Council claims it does not utilize Aziz's properties.
Last year, it was revealed that Merton Council is still owed £3 million by Criterion Capital for emergency safety works after a window pane fell from the 12th floor in June 2022, an incident that could have been fatal. Meanwhile, Criterion Capital plans to build three new blocks behind Britannia Point, including a 16-storey aparthotel and a 14-storey co-living building, though these plans have yet to go before the planning committee.
As the situation unfolds, residents continue to advocate for written guarantees and clearer communication to ensure their housing security in the face of ongoing uncertainties and regulatory changes.
