In June we told you how the case of Grenfell Tower’s
combustible cladding wasn’t an isolated one – the infamous blaze even prompting a UK-wide check into
what other buildings have installed. Now an at-risk property has seen its manager put in place measures to mitigate the threat of fire, including delegating wardens that cost over £1.8 million annually.
A report by
Eastlondonlines said a 24-hour “waking watch” involving 15 fire wardens is being implemented at New Festival Quarter in Poplar, after combustibility tests showed certain blocks are at risk. In the event of a blaze, these patrolling wardens would raise the alarm.
“In order to ensure the continued safety of residents and to comply with LFB (London Fire Brigade) recommendations, fire wardens have been placed on-site as an interim solution,” said Pinnacle Places, as quoted by the report. “The cost of the wardens is being covered by the current service charge while a more permanent solution is determined.”
It’s not clear whether the property has the exact type of cladding as that installed at Grenfell Tower, but the potential risks were enough for the London Fire Brigade to advise the development’s freeholder to implement the watch.
“Urgent discussions are underway with fire engineering consultants and fire safety experts regarding alternative interim measures and the longer-term solutions,” added Pinnacle, which manages New Festival Quarter on behalf of Adriatic Land 6 (GR1). “There will be a further update as soon as possible. Funding options are being explored with all parties.”
Meanwhile the report cited a Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson who said: “We would expect the building insurance to be the first port of call in relation to fire safety costs that arise. Otherwise, the sharing of costs is determined by the terms of each lease.”
Related stories:
Grenfell Tower was “knowingly” supplied with flammable panels
Insurance industry advisors had warned about Grenfell cladding guideline inadequacies
