Following the collapse of large sections of the old Queens Lodge building on Queens Avenue (N10) last year, restoration work is still far from being completed.

Developers initally maintained just the facade of the original building during their work, but then most of that collapsed as well – despite warnings to Haringey Council from local Lib Dems and residents that unauthorised work was being carried out.

With the developers ordered to restore the front of the building to match the original, work has been carrying on at a very slow pace. Recently, it appeared that the project was even going backwards, with more of the facade taken down. However, local Lib Dem councillor Matt Davies has secured assurances from Haringey Council that they are now keeping a very close eye on what is happening at Queens Lodge.

The restoration work has been started from the rear of the property, which has meant that little progress can be seen from the street. There were also safety concerns with parts of the building following the unauthorised rear excavation, leading to some parts being removed.

The recent removal of the roof was in order to replace the tiles with ones that match the originals. The Council has just approved appropriate roof tiles for the restored building.

Cllr Davies (Lib Dem, Fortis Green) comments:

“The Queens Lodge saga is still continuing, after the fiasco caused by the developers. I am glad to see that it appears Haringey Council has learned its lesson since it ignored the early warning signs from local residents and myself.

“They appear to be keeping a very close eye on the restoration work and I am hopeful that the end result will be acceptable to residents, even if it is turning into a painfully slow process.”