believe housing has been reviewing the future of Robinson House in Horden.
This has included looking at the type of homes in the building, demand, investment needs, and the costs of running it. Together, these factors present significant challenges.
After careful consideration, believe housing’s Board has decided to consult customers on a proposal to demolish Robinson House.
The six‑week consultation will start on Monday, 13 April 2026.
We recognise that this may be unsettling for affected customers. No final decision has been made, and all feedback will be carefully considered before any next steps are agreed. believe housing will support customers throughout the process.
Why are we doing this?
Built in 1979, Robinson House contains a mix of bedsits and one‑bed flats. These have seen low demand and high turnover over several years, with some homes remaining empty for long periods.
The building would also require significant investment over the next decade to remain operational and meet safety and regulatory requirements. This includes major work to the communal heating system, fire safety improvements and the replacement of ageing parts of the building. New and emerging legislation would increase costs further.
Even with this investment, the homes would still fall short of the quality believe housing aims to provide. Robinson House also operates at a loss, as service charges do not cover the full cost of heating, hot water, communal facilities and building management.
What happens now?
The consultation will run from Monday, 13 April 2026 to Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
During this time, believe housing is seeking feedback from customers on the proposal and any alternatives that should be considered.
All responses will be reviewed and presented to the Board to help inform a final decision. The outcome will be shared with affected customers. Should it result in demolition, help and support will be immediately available.
For more information, please read the following documents:
Robinson House consultation letter
Robinson House additional information
