The notorious Brown and Root building of Colliers Wood will start its full makeover within the next six months, it has been confirmed.

Residents can expect to see minor road works around the 17-storey building towards the end of this month after the planning contract was officially signed off with contractors.

Paul McGarry from the council's Future Merton’s team, is still awaiting a copy of the building programme but said residents should expect to see scaffolding by the end of the year.

An official starting date for the renovation has yet to be confirmed.

The tower has a long history of controversy.

It was voted London’s Ugliest Building in a BBC poll, dubbed an eyesore by locals and endured complex planning proposals.

However, in 2011 it became part of the £70m Mayor’s Regeneration Fund, with Colliers Wood receiving a project award of over £2m.