London Canning Town: five tower blocks fully evacuated over structural fears, at least 250 households homeless

Five blocks of flats at Royal Gateway, also known as Caxton Works, in Canning Town, east London, have all been evacuated after structural problems were found, leaving at least 250 households and several businesses suddenly homeless. Residents have been told not to return until further notice and must pay upfront for hotel rooms. (Photo: file photo of housing in the Canning Town area, not the blocks concerned.)

Three blocks first, then two more

The first three blocks — Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court and Sovereign Tower — were evacuated at about 3 a.m. BST on Oct. 23, affecting around 211 households. The London Fire Brigade told Newham Council the buildings faced serious structural problems, and the property manager later confirmed the risk came from a transfer slab beneath the buildings, posing an imminent risk to life. On Friday evening, Oct. 30, residents of Thanet Tower and Prince Court were also told to leave over further structural safety concerns, emptying all five blocks.

Built about nine years ago; dangerous structure notices served

The five blocks were built about nine years ago by Galliard Homes and are occupied by private tenants or leaseholders. Newham Council, which owns the land on the site, said it had deployed health and safety inspectors and building experts to investigate, and has served Dangerous Structural Notices for the first three blocks. Its Nov. 2 resident support update said it is working with property manager Prime Property Management and other partners to support affected residents, with a rest centre at Beckton Community Centre.

Minister responds; no return date yet

Housing minister Flo Eshalomi told the House of Commons on Monday that officials were supporting the council and engaging with the developer and warranty providers. The BBC reported residents returning on Monday to collect essentials, and notices warning of a risk to life posted on the doors of the towers. There is still no date for residents to return, and no settled answer on who pays the costs. Sources: BBC, Nov. 2, 2026; Newham Council resident support update, Nov. 2, 2026.