A major developer is facing a crisis of confidence from local leaders and residents as it seeks permission to build three new tower blocks in south London, following a dangerous incident at its existing high-rise that cost the council millions.
A Falling Window and a £3 Million Bill
Criterion Capital, the owner of the 19-storey Britannia Point tower in Colliers Wood, wants to construct three new residential blocks of up to 16 storeys on land behind the building. However, the plan is being vehemently opposed by local Labour councillors, who cite a serious safety failure at Britannia Point that shattered public trust.
The opposition stems from an incident on 27 June 2022, when a large glass pane fell from the 12th floor of Britannia Point and smashed onto the pavement below. The footage attracted national media attention and prompted immediate safety concerns. "This easily could have killed someone if they were walking past at that moment in time," said Colliers Wood Councillor Stuart Neaverson.
Following the fall, Merton Council was forced to secure the area with temporary closures. Subsequent inspections commissioned by Criterion identified issues with 69 other window panes across the tower, a problem that took around 18 months to fully assess. Councillor Neaverson claims that during this period, the developer refused to take further urgent action, compelling the council to issue an emergency order to erect protective scaffolding.
Broken Trust and New Proposals
That scaffolding remained in place for approximately 18 months while safety checks were conducted, with the emergency works costing Merton Council around £3 million. The council asserts that this sum is still owed by Criterion Capital and is pursuing payment. Cllr Neaverson accused the company of "stonewalling" the council throughout the process.
Despite this unresolved debt and safety controversy, Criterion is now pushing revised plans for a development named Colliers Gardens on land currently used as a temporary coach park near Wandle Park. The new proposal, expected to go before the planning committee in 2026, includes:
- A 16-storey aparthotel.
- A 14-storey co-living building.
- A seven-storey block for private rent.
This scheme replaces a previous 2024 application for taller towers, which was rejected for over-development. Criterion states its updated plans improve design and increase affordable housing.
A History of Problems at Britannia Point
Councillor Neaverson highlighted a pattern of issues at the existing Britannia Point tower, which is entirely private rented accommodation. Beyond the window crisis, he reported that in 2023, residents were left without water for a month. The building has also suffered from repeated lift failures and security problems with front doors, leading to antisocial behaviour.
On one occasion, Neaverson recalled assisting a heavily pregnant woman living on the 14th floor who felt "trapped" and missed hospital appointments when both lifts were broken. Speaking for Merton Labour, he stated: "It's incredibly frustrating that Criterion are trying to build three new towers in Colliers Wood when they can't even take care of the one they have. How can the community have any faith in what they are saying?"
The developer was approached for comment on these allegations but did not respond in time for publication. The community's loss of faith presents a significant hurdle for Criterion Capital's ambitions in Colliers Wood, as it seeks to expand its footprint amidst a legacy of safety failures and unpaid costs.
