Du Cane Court Residents Association

Representing the residents of one of London’s finest Art Deco buildings

Welcome to the website of the Du Cane Court Residents Association (DCCRA). We are a committee of volunteers who live in the building and work to represent the interests of all residents to the building management and freeholder.

Du Cane Court is one of the largest self-contained residential blocks in Europe, and one of London’s most celebrated examples of Art Deco architecture. Built in the 1930s, it is home to over 1,200 residents. This section is the official information resource of the Residents Association.

Membership of the RA is free and open to all residents and leaseholders — owners, landlords and tenants alike. With more members, our voice carries further when we speak to building management.

The Lobby
RA post-box, reception foyer

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The Du Cane Court Residents Association (DCCRA) is the primary body representing the interests of leaseholders and tenants within the iconic Art Deco building in Balham, South London. Given that the block contains 677 apartments, the association plays a significant role in managing the complex relationship between residents, the freeholder, and the managing agents.

History and Foundation

The association was founded in 1971, primarily as a “Tenants’ Association” to serve as a collective pressure group. This was a response to the evolving needs of the community and the complexities of governing what was, at its inception, the largest private block of flats in Europe. Over the decades, it has navigated various issues ranging from service charge disputes to major structural refurbishments.

Core Functions

The DCCRA acts as a formal voice for the community, focusing on several key areas:

  • Advocacy: They represent residents in discussions with the freeholder (currently Dorrington) and the managing agents (Allsop) regarding building maintenance, security, and service standards.
  • Governance: The association provides a system of “checks and balances” to ensure that management decisions align with the interests of those living in the building.
  • Information Sharing: They facilitate communication among neighbours. While the association has a formal role
  • Social Cohesion: Historically, the DCCRA has been involved in maintaining the “spirit of the community,” which is a notable feat in a building that houses approximately 1,300 people.

Contact and Resources

If you are looking to get in touch or find specific documentation, here are the current avenues:

  • Email: The association can typically be reached at [email protected].
  • Documentation: Residents often have access to a “Guide for Owners and Tenants,” which outlines the association’s role and the building’s rules.
  • Historical Context: For a deep dive into the political and social evolution of the association, the book A History of Du Cane Court: Land, Architecture, People and Politics by Gregory Vincent provides an extensive account of the DCRA’s influence since 1971.

The association is particularly active during periods of major works, such as refurbishment programs aimed at preserving the building’s 1930s aesthetic while updating its 21st century infrastructure.

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