The Heygate Housing Estate was finally completed in the early 70’s, and is a prime example of Modernist social housing. It comprises 1200 units of accommodation located across several eleven-storey blocks and low-rise buildings. Several are owner occupied, but the majority are long-term council tenants.
In 2004 Southwark council decide to knock down the estate as part of the redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle and to offer tenants alternative accommodation. The Heygate is scheduled to be empty by September 2009, and demolished as soon as possible afterwards.