A residential block on the South Coast has been evacuated after “serious fire safety concerns” were raised.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service said it was told on 21 February there could be “immediate risks to resident safety” in the event of a blaze at Sundowner Court on Channel Way in Southampton.
It is understood a building survey uncovered an issue related to fireproofing of steel elements.
Barratt Redrow is funding a remediation project at the nine-storey, 40-apartment building, where two-bedroom flats rent for around £1,700 per month.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service high-rise residential building fire safety manager Matthew Rowe said: “Those responsible for high-rise buildings, whether individuals or organisations, have a legal duty to ensure their premises comply with fire safety legislation.
“We work closely with management companies and responsible persons to support the implementation of strong safety measures, helping to reduce risks to both residents and the wider public.
“On Friday 21 February, we were alerted by the management company of Sundowner Court on Channel Way in Southampton to some serious fire safety concerns.
“New information had highlighted immediate risks to resident safety in the event of a fire. In response, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service visited the premises and met with the responsible person.
“Mitigation measures were agreed and put into place with immediate effect, ensuring that all residents remained safe.
“We understand this situation will cause significant disruption, but we support the management company’s decision to prioritise resident safety.
“In cases like these our primary concern is always the safety and wellbeing of those living in high-rise buildings, and we will continue working to ensure fire safety standards are met.”
A spokesperson for Barratt Redrow told Construction News: “Residents’ safety is our absolute priority, and we support the decision made by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service, and the managing agent and right-to-manage directors as responsible persons for Sundowner Court.
“Residents are being provided with accommodation and support, at no cost to themselves, and will be kept regularly informed of progress as we work with all parties to ensure the building is remediated as quickly as possible.”
Southampton and Eastleigh Building Control said its investigations into the building and its construction were ongoing.
“We are pleased that a thorough survey has been conducted, which will bring to bear all the learnings from the new building safety regime,” said a spokesperson.
“Residents will be kept safe, and that is the most important thing. Any remedial work and fire safety improvements undertaken must be authorised by the relevant responsible person for the building/dutyholder and should be closely checked by the relevant building control body to ensure they meet today’s rigorous standards.”
HMS Property Management Services , the managing agent on the property, said in a statement: “Following a review of the Sundowner Court building by fire engineers, and subsequent discussions with the local fire service about the critical fire safety work needed, the decision was taken by Sundowner Right To Manage Company that the building must be immediately decanted, and residents should be relocated while work is carried out.
“Residents’ safety is our absolute priority, which is why they are being evacuated and provided with accommodation and support. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to all residents.
“Plans for ongoing accommodation and other activities are all in hand – we are very aware that there are many questions that the residents want to ask. In relation to the full remediation of the building, we will be providing them with information as soon as possible.”
Sundowner Court was completed in 2004 by Wilson Bowden, which was subsequently acquired by Barratt.
Barratt Developments last summer put aside £192m to remediate dangerous buildings, taking its tally to £807.6m over three financial years.
A £2.5bn merger with fellow housebuilder Redrow received the go-ahead from regulators a few months later.
