Spectrum Building, Freshwater Road set to be demolished

Spectrum Building, in Freshwater Road, Dagenham will undergo demolition - starting from Monday (December 2) - after a "substantial investigation" to assess whether it was safe to redevelop.

The demolition will mean Freshwater Road will remain closed until mid-January, when the works are expected to finish.

Spectrum Building, a mixed-use residential and commercial building, went up in flames in the early hours of August 26 this year, forcing around 100 people to evacuate.

Its building manager, Block Management UK Ltd, was slammed by Barking and Dagenham Council in September for "not yet meeting with those affected" by the fire.

The building owners and insurers have now made a decision to demolish the building "due to the impact of the fire", according to the council. 

Around 100 people were forced to evacuate when the Spectrum Building went up in flames (Image: LFB)

In a letter to residents, Chief Executive of Barking and Dagenham Council Fiona Taylor said: "Since the fire took place there has been a substantial investigation including several structural surveys to assess the safety of the building and if it can be redeveloped.

"However, due to the impact of the fire, the building owners and insurers have made a decision to demolish the building."

She added that the demolition works will result in some "noise and disruption" as a result of "controlled falling debris".

READ MORE: Dagenham Spectrum Building fire survivor fears homelessness

Works will take place from Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 6pm, and on Saturdays, between 8am and 1pm.

The demolition will pause between December 21 and January 6, but security will remain on the Spectrum Building site.

Ms Taylor said the council will continue to provide residents with updates and information via its website.

The Barking and Dagenham Post has contacted Barking and Dagenham Council and Block Management for further comment.