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Metro Central Heights
Also known as Alexander Fleming House
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 Images
 Other Information
- Metro Central Heights was originally developed by Imry and occupied by the-then Ministry of Health, hence its name, Alexander Fleming House. The project also contains a 15-floor extension, plus three 7-storey blocks with all the buildings arranged at right angles.
- Alexander Flemming House was the first of Erno Goldfinger's buildings to have a separate service shaft, something that became part of his architectural vernacular and was carried to its limit in Trellick Tower and Balfron Tower.
- The architect attempted to design the building around a central square, with the blocks laid around it, although the tightness of the site meant that it was, and remains severely overshadowed.
- Goldfinger also included in the development balconies to provide external space for the office workers to enjoy. Unfortunately these soon became pigeon roosts and ended up covered in a mesh of wire to protect them. This undoubtedly contributed to the later poor reputation of the scheme which was often used as an example of "sick building syndrome".
- The buildings were tidied up in 1997 with a relaunch that saw them painted in cream with bright blue panels added, a far cry from the more brutal look that Goldfinger had originally conceived.
- At the same time the public areas around the base of the tower that had become hang-outs for the poor of Elephant and Castle were closed off and the interior of the buildings converted into apartments, something that was made easier by the fact Goldfinger had originally gone for open-place offices, and the balconies which easily complimented a residential development.
 Companies
If your company has been involved with the Design/Build, Supply or Maintenance of this building please submit your details. - Architect
- Erno Goldfinger
- Developer
- Imry Properties
 Reference Data
- Reference No.
- 2156
- First Uploaded
- 19-02-2006
- Last Editorial Date
- 30-11-2010
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- Address
- 119 Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle, London. SE1
- Council
- Southwark
- County
- London
- Region
- London
- Country
- United Kingdom
View in Google Maps - Status
- Complete
- Proposal date
- 1959
- Construction start date
- 1960
- Completion date
- 1963
- Renovation Date
- 1997
- Heritage Status
- Grade II
- Style
- Modernist
- Roof Height (AGL)
- 55.00
- Total Floors (O.G)
- 17
 Market Data
- Primary Use
- Residential
- Flats
- 422
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