55-133 College Green works

Update: Monday 2 March

Repair works to the communal heating system have now been completed.  

Heating and hot water should now be working in all flats. To make sure everything is working properly, access is needed to check systems in every home. Our contractor, SureServe, will contact residents directly to arrange appointments. Please allow access when contacted. These checks help to confirm that heating and hot water are working as they should.  

Support remains available. Portable panel heaters and additional oil-filled heaters can be provided on request.  

We are also arranging additional payments to support residents with energy costs. Winter fuel payments will cover the past 2 winters as well as this winter. We will share more details as soon as they are confirmed.

The issue

Heating and hot water at 55-133 College Green are supplied by a ground source heat pump system.

Specialist engineers have confirmed that there are leaks and blockages in parts of the underground system. This means the heat pumps cannot circulate water properly, which has reduced how well the system can produce heating and hot water.

Engineers found that several sections of the underground pipework are leaking or have weakened.

Why this needs fixing

Fixing the heating and hot water as quickly as possible is a priority.  

Because of the damage to the underground, repairs are needed to fix the root cause of the problem rather than rely on temporary solutions. Once repairs are complete, the system can work reliably again.

Support for residents and updates

We know this situation has been difficult, particularly during winter, and support is in place.

One-off payments

We are also continuing to support residents with any extra utility costs during the winter with:

• one-off winter payments for affected households to help with additional energy costs covering April 2025 to September 2025
• separate one-off payments as a gesture of appreciation for the challenges residents have faced

Portable panel heaters

Portable panel heaters have been provided with support from Sureserve. We understand that not everyone wants a heater, but if you change your mind or would like one, please let us know.

Door-to-door visits

Repairs and tenancy staff have been carrying out door-to-door visits to check on residents, particularly anyone who may need extra help or support.

If you need help

If you need help, want to request a heater, or have concerns about heating or hot water, please contact ravi.jhavery@croydon.gov.uk.

We recognise the ongoing heating and hot water issues and are treating this as urgent. We will continue to share as work progresses. 

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue.