Residents remaining in the flats at Church View say they have been left living in a “ghost town” as neighbours move out around them.
Bromford Housing Association (BHA) originally announced the regeneration plans for the building in November 2024, however some households have yet to be relocated.
The block of flats, nicknamed “Legoland” for their colourful design, once housed dozens of residents.
Now, only a handful remain in what one woman describes to be “a ghost town”, with silent corridors, empty balconies and a boarded-up playground.
The resident, who asked not to be named, feels the decision to regenerate the flats “totally makes sense” as she says there have been persistent issues with mould, leaks and cracks in the walls. Despite this, she adds that the initial idea of moving out was daunting.
She said: “At first I was totally freaked out that I had to move.” The resident describes her current maisonette as the “perfect location for her”, and the change would take some getting used to.
She believes that being adamant she wants to stay in Filton is one of the reasons why she is yet to be relocated.
Many former residents have been relocated to areas further afield in South Gloucestershire such as Patchway and Thornbury, but the resident made it clear that she needed to remain close to her family and children’s school.
Ian Finn moved out of the flats — also known as The Views — in February 2025, early in the rehoming project.
He said that his life “is one hundred times better” since leaving his top floor maisonette.
He explains that as a disabled person, he barely left home at The Views because there was no lift, and the stairs caused him significant back pain.
Now, Ian lives in a three-bed house, as well as being compensated over £10,000 for the inconvenience of having to move.
In last month’s issue, it was reported that local businesses — such as Filton Post Office and Gale’s Farm Meats — have been left in limbo as they await demolition on the flats.
The footfall that businesses heavily rely on has been heavily impacted by residents relocating, causing significant financial strain.
Down’s Bakery was forced to shut up shop in Church View after 34 years in business.
Jake Rigby, BHA’s project manager, said: “Many [residents] have relocated and we’re continuing to work closely with the remaining households to find them new homes that meet their needs.”
BHA hopes to submit a full planning application in 2026, once they’ve appointed a development partner.