End of an era for landmark Exeter tower block

Iconic Exeter tower block Rennes House has now been safely secured after the last resident was evicted ahead of its demolition. The 1960s high-rise block of 61 spacious flats for over 55s in Vaughan Road, Whipton - owned by Exeter City Council (ECC) - was originally meant to be vacated four months ago after residents were told the building was no longer viable due to safety issues. There were concerns over fire safety, evacuation and the high costs to renovate it - projected to be £9.558m in 2022.

The last resident left Rennes House on November 8 and the building has since been secured. The first floor balconies have removed to 'improve the security' of the building and the lower doors and windows are now blocked up. Demolition work is expected to start next spring.

The land will then be used for new council housing. Rennes House is nestled between The Gardens, a new development of 91 council-owned Passivhaus homes currently under construction, and Chester Long Court, another block of 26 council-owned Passivhaus flats for over-60s.

An ECC spokesman said: "When tendered the demolition contractors will submit their method statements for the demolition. The entire demolition process could take up to 18 months.

"The site will be redeveloped into new council housing."

The council was criticised for allowing the building to fall into a state of disrepair by those who lived there who were 'devastated' to be evicted.

In the summer ECC did not state what specific repairs or concerns existed at Rennes House, which was built in 1968. In July, 16 residents were still living there after the eviction process began.

Tenants were supported by the council to find new homes but delays were caused by two of its housing developments - The Gardens and Brook House in Hamlin Gardens - being behind schedule. In October, 11 residents were still living in the block.

Tenants at Rennes House have been given first priority to move into The Gardens when phase A is due to be completed next spring. In February 2022, a decision to replace Rennes House with a new block was made by ECC's full council committee.

A letter shortly afterwards was sent by the council informing residents of the impact the decision would have on them.

It said: "The building cannot be easily refurbished to comply with all the new government rules and regulations that apply to high-rise buildings. Please be assured that Rennes House is not a dangerous place in which to live and we will continue to monitor all its systems and to undertake day-to-day repairs.

"This means that we will need to find you alternative accommodation - not immediately but within the next two years."

This January, residents were informed that following a review of the safety of the building by the council's compliance team, with advice and input from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the 'difficult' decision had been made to 'fully vacate' and demolish Rennes House.

New government regulations brought in following the Grenfell Fire in 2017 and tenant safety issues - particularly regarding fire safety and evacuation - were shared with residents in letters as reasons for the decision. Residents were assured that in the meantime it was "safe" to remain at Rennes House and it would continue to monitor the building's compliance with health and safety regulations.

One of the last residents to leave was an 87-year-old woman who has lived at Rennes House for about 11 years. The resident, who asked to not be named, told DevonLive in July that many residents were not happy about the decision to close Rennes House.

She said: "I was offered a bungalow but I didn't want to go there because it wasn't in Whipton where I have lived for more than 50 years. I don't want one move, let alone two [to The Gardens], but I have now got over the shock. The stress has been terrible.

"I was told there are supposed to be fire risks so we have to move but they are happy to let us stay into October to suit them. Why can't they wait until next June when The Gardens is ready to suit us?

"When the council met with us and said we would have to stay longer I punched my fist up in the air and said, 'good!'."

She continued: "I will definitely feel sad when I move out but it's not the same as we don't have bingo nights anymore. At one time we went on outings and things like fish and chip evenings. Now I don't even go in the communal lounge because so few people are still here."