Blackshots Updates

We’re redeveloping the Blackshots Estate in Grays to provide better housing for residents. As part of this work, we will be demolishing its 3 tower blocks.

Visit this page to keep up to date with the latest news regarding this project.

July 2026

Three tower blocks in Blackshots will be demolished after Cabinet approved plans to remove the empty buildings.

Residents moved out of the blocks more than a year ago and have all been rehoused. Since then, the buildings have stood vacant. Current plans will see them demolished by January 2028.

Since residents moved out, the empty estate has experienced problems with anti-social behaviour, vandalism and fly-tipping. Demolition will help stamp out these problems, while new security measures will be put in place to keep the site safe and free from anti-social behaviour after the site has been cleared.

Demolition of the tower blocks has been discussed with residents, and their views and concerns were taken into account as the plans were developed. The council also discussed the proposals with the Housing Service Tenants’ Panel, which was supportive of the plans approved by Cabinet.

A procurement process to appoint a demolition contractor will now get underway, and it is hoped the towers will be completely demolished by the end of January 2028. Contractors will need to include appropriate measures to minimise dust, noise and disruption for local residents during the demolition works. These measures will need to be agreed before work can begin.