Lambeth Tower Block Lift Outage Nears Two Years

Residents of Amesbury Tower in Lambeth have been living with a single working lift for almost two years, as one of the building's two lifts has been out of service since February 2025. The ongoing disruption has led to residents feeling like 'prisoners in their own building', particularly affecting those with health conditions, elderly individuals, and families with young children.

The lift serving the odd-numbered floors reportedly broke down in early 2025. This has left residents reliant on the lift for even floors, which they report is also prone to breakdowns. Concerns are mounting that the remaining lift may also fail, leaving residents on the 19-storey building's upper floors with no access.

Regulatory Delays Hamper Replacement Efforts

Lambeth Council submitted an application to replace the faulty lift in February 2026. However, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which oversees work on higher-risk buildings, has delayed approval. The BSR has extended the review period multiple times, adding a total of 26 weeks to the process. A request from the council to fast-track the application as an emergency was declined by the regulator.

A spokesperson for the BSR stated that further information was provided on October 30 and is currently being reviewed by a specialist registered inspector. Additional specialist engineering support has also been commissioned to aid the application's progress. The BSR aims to expedite the process while ensuring all safety requirements are met.

Tariq Naquy, a resident on the 19th floor with respiratory issues, described the situation as a 'nightmare', requiring him to rest on the stairs during his ascent. Ann Shew, living on the 15th floor with osteoarthritis, highlighted the physical toll of constantly using the stairs, especially after knee surgery. She noted the lack of support during lift breakdowns, making it difficult for disabled and elderly residents to leave their homes or manage essential tasks like grocery shopping.

Council Aims for New Year Repairs

A Lambeth Council spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents and apologised for the inconvenience. The council is committed to replacing the lift, which is at the end of its operational life. They are working closely with contractors to maintain the serviceability of the remaining lift and have engaged their guardian service to support vulnerable residents.

The council hopes to commence lift replacement works in the New Year, contingent upon receiving approval from the Building Safety Regulator. Neil Salt of the Lambeth Conservatives has been advocating for the BSR to treat the matter as urgent, citing the age of the building and the increased strain on the single working lift.