Many will remember this tower block, although recollections are likely to include the scaffolding that adorned its unattractive facade in its latter years.
The South Stoneham Tower was a 17-story concrete tower block located in Swaythling, Southampton. It was built 60 years ago in 1964 as an extension to the historic South Stoneham House, a Grade II listed former manor house. Included in the build were a new bar and a dining hall.
But, with 180 rooms, the tower mainly served as student accommodation for the University of Southampton.
In 1997 a large wooden collar had to be added to the base of the tower to prevent crumbling concrete falling onto staff and students below.
Tragedy struck at the tower when, in 2001, a young law student plunged 150ft to his death.
The 25-year-old was certified dead outside Stoneham House halls of residence in Wessex Lane, Swaythling, after falling from the 15th floor.
In the year 2002, there were concerns raised about the living conditions within the tower.
Criticisms centred around issues of overcrowding and the poor state of the building, leading inhabitants to endure what was described as "damp and squalid conditions" by newspapers at the time.
But the presence of asbestos in the tower's construction posed challenges for its eventual decommissioning and demolition.
Due to the interconnectedness of the tower and the original house, traditional demolition methods like explosives were not feasible.
The high cost associated with physical disassembly added complexity to the process, especially considering the listed status of the entire site, including the tower and its connection to the main building.
At the request of the University in 2004, an architectural firm was tasked with developing a formal application seeking consent to demolish the tower, kitchen, and dining hall complex.
The primary objective outlined in the application was to pave the way for the restoration of South Stoneham House to a state befitting of its listed status.
This strategic initiative, under the guise of a "master plan," aimed to revamp the structure and repurpose it as a conference facility.
The tower was eventually deemed unfit for purpose and closed in 2009. The manor house was boarded up at the same time.
The University put the site up for sale in 2015 but failed to find a buyer.
The South Stoneham Tower was ultimately demolished in early 2022 after 13 years of standing empty.
The university had reportedly spent more than £100,000 a year from 2012 until its demolition to maintain scaffolding around it.
The South Stoneham House remains boarded up and has been described as being in a poor state of repair.
However, there are rumoured to be plans to renovate the house and incorporate it into new student accommodation development.
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