Latest news with #buildingSafety
RNZ News
5 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Part of Christchurch council building shut down for months
The annex on the Worcester Boulevard side of the civic offices was closed last month. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Part of the Christchurch City Council building will remain closed for months after an engineering report showed it was an earthquake risk. The annex on the Worcester Boulevard side of the civic offices, which usually housed the council chamber and mayor's working space, was closed last month. An engineering seismic assessment showed it only had a new building-standard (NBS) rating of 40 percent. A building with an NBS rating of less than 34 percent was considered earthquake-prone, while a rating between 34 and 67 per cent was deemed "moderate risk". Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Council chief executive Mary Richardson said the area would remain off-limits to staff as a precaution so strengthening work could be carried out. "The likelihood of a large earthquake is considered low, however based on the potential consequences and the temporary mitigation measures available, we have determined that the council should continue to vacate the annex area," she said. "Safety of council staff, elected members and visitors is paramount and after discussing the risks, mitigations and options with the council engineers and the executive leadership team, we're not willing to take any risks on that." The work was expected to take six months. The investigation and construction could happen promptly because the annex would be unoccupied during this period, Richardson said. "Although, we are still working on logistics for how the remedial programme will run," she said. "Due to the longer period of restricting occupancy of the annex, we will be looking at options to improve the working environment for staff and elected members, particularly those who have been relocated." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ICC to showcase global building safety expertise at Big 5 Construct Egypt 2025
Egypt – The International Code Council (ICC), a global leader in building safety and construction standards, is set to participate in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, scheduled between June 17–19, 2025, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. With more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt will spotlight the latest innovations shaping the future of construction in the region. The event is held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority. Mohammed Amer, Managing Director – ICC MENA, will deliver a presentation titled 'Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA'. The session will spotlight ICC's growing presence in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on the International Codes (I-Codes) and the broader ICC Family of Solutions that are shaping the built environment. Real-world case studies will illustrate how ICC collaborates with governments, developers, and industry professionals to implement international best practices across the region's rapidly evolving construction landscape. Speaking about ICC's participation, Amer stated: 'At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognized codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernization, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.' ICC continues to support the construction sector in Egypt and the wider GCC through strategic partnerships, capacity-building efforts, and advocacy for modern regulatory frameworks. In Egypt specifically, ICC has been engaged in promoting alignment with international best practices to encourage safer and more efficient infrastructure development. About the International Code Council The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. The I-Codes, standards and solutions are trusted worldwide to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings. More information about ICC MENA: Middle East Media Enquiries should be directed to AllDetails: Diane D'costa, Senior PR Account Manager Email: Chamodi Gunawardane, Junior PR Account Manager, Email:
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Luton's £136m stage project delayed by building safety regulator
A £136m town centre regeneration project has been delayed by a building safety regulator as the plans did not meet the required Stage flagship mixed-use development in Luton is due to be built on the site of the former Bute Street railway station - which was replaced by a bus station and later demolished in Building Safety Regulator (BSR) said there had been several applications "one of which was rejected as it failed to demonstrate that the buildings, if constructed as designed, would meet legal requirements".Luton Borough Council said it was committed to ensuring "our application for the Stage development fully meets the required standards". A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive, the umbrella organisation for BSR, said: "The building control processes introduced following the Grenfell Tower tragedy are a vital safeguard, aimed at raising fire and structural safety standards across the built environment."They added that detailed plans submitted by the applicant for the Stage development around fire and emergency safety matters were not adequate or clear and there were a number of concerns over structural issues.A spokesperson for Luton Borough Council said: "We have consistently provided comprehensive information to support our application, responded promptly to any requests for clarification, and made adjustments where required."The development, which is underpinned by £20m of levelling up funding, includes flats, a multi-purpose performance and community area, a food court and commercial space, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Luton Borough Council's director of property and infrastructure Roger Kirk told the scrutiny finance review group on Tuesday that the delay in approving the project was costing the authority £100,000 a said the application was submitted in July 2024 and the council's "best guess at present is that the negative impact, in terms of the capital project, is less than £1m."He said the regulator had requested a third extension until July 11 and added he was confident of a positive outcome.A spokesperson for the authority said: "We appreciate the pressures faced by the BSR as a newly established regulator and remain committed to working constructively with them to ensure our application fully meets the new standards." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Our tower block is covered in flammable cladding EIGHT YEARS after Grenfell – the council is gambling with our lives
RESIDENTS living in eight London tower blocks - once branded 'unsafe' by Sir Keir Starmer - have accused their Labour-run council of ignoring life-threatening fire risks. Eight years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, locals of Royal Artillery Quays (RAQ) in Thamesmead, east London, say that Greenwich Council is 'allowing history to repeat itself'. 14 14 14 After five years, developers are finally set to replace external cladding this month, but leaseholders have warned that internal fire safety issues are still being ignored - putting their lives in danger. Pointing to the Grenfell tragedy, which claimed the lives of 72 people, RAQ Residents Association chair Stephen Day slammed councillors for 'abandoning' him and his neighbours. Speaking to The Sun, he fumed: "The inquiry said that concerns from residents regarding building safety were completely quashed and rubbished. "It essentially said that, going forwards, residents need to be listened to whether you agree with them or not. "Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. "It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. "We just want to try and get these buildings safe." The current project to remedy the external cladding was only agreed after a damning 2022 report from engineering firm Urban Change. All eight buildings were deemed a "high fire risk", with the investigation pointing to "poor workmanship" in the installation of the external wall insulation (EWI). It found that some fire break fittings were missing, they were made of plastic instead of steel and the expanded polystyrene (EPS) render was not thick enough. Government 'failed', 'dishonest' firms & 'indifferent' landlords – damning report into Grenfell tragedy which killed 72 Works to replace 90% of the building facade were approved by the independent building safety regulator and will be undertaken by developers Barratt, who originally built the RAQ complex in 2002. But residents argue there are major internal defects in the tower blocks that will remain untouched, sparking huge concerns. They pointed to a fire stopping survey completed by officials in 2019, commissioned by RAQ property manager Rendall & Rittner. Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. We just want to try and get these buildings safe. Stephen DayRAQ Residents Association chair The purpose of the inspection was to test whether internal areas and rooms had sufficient structural integrity to prevent fires spreading from one part of the building to another. It revealed that three out of the eight tower blocks did not meet the minimum statutory safety requirements. As a result, the inspectors reported that any fire at the properties could result in "significant loss" and potentially lead to prosecution of the responsible person(s). The cost to replace similar issues discovered at the London Olympic Village is rumoured to be £432million. Another worry for the leaseholders is that the single stair fire escape - the only route out in the event of a fire - is surrounded by "highly combustible" grey panels on each floor. 14 The Urban Change report argued that the aluminium corner panels in the stairwell should only be replaced on the first two storeys This is despite the insulation used in these panels having a Euroclass E rating - one of the highest levels of combustibility according to the fire class system. The buildings garnered national attention in 2021 when Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stood outside the towers and described the situation as 'obviously wrong'. Speaking outside the tower blocks, he said: 'We need a task force to put some energy behind this. How Grenfell tower disaster unfolded By Summer Raemason THE Grenfell Tower fire which killed 72 people was the result of "decades of failure", a long-awaited report into the blaze has found last year. The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the "systematic dishonesty" of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation, the inquiry chairman said. Sir Martin Moore-Bick called out "deliberate and sustained" manipulation of fire-safety testing, misrepresentation of test data and misleading of the market. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the report identified "substantial and widespread failings", adding that the Government will carefully consider its recommendations "to ensure that such a tragedy cannot occur again". The seven-volume and near-1,700 page final report of the inquiry into the disaster laid out in damning detail how those in positions of responsibility had not heeded or acted on warnings from earlier fires. 'At the moment almost everybody is saying it's a bad situation, but it's not really my responsibility. 'The result is that innocent leaseholders here, who are living in accommodation which is unsafe, are being asked to pick up the bill. 'That is obviously wrong and if it is obviously wrong, do something about it. 'Three and a half years after Grenfell, this is not on. Most people would not believe this is the situation we're in. 'We owe it to all those affected to do something about it.' 14 14 14 Locals allege that plans to fix the internal defects are not going ahead because Greenwich Council refuses to support their claims that regulations were breached at the time of construction. In an email seen by The Sun, initial plans appeared to show a fire door between the tower entrance and the lift lobby. But when our reporters were taken for a tour of the property, it was clear that no such door had ever existed. Ongoing battle Catherine Dugué, who has lived in Tideslea Tower for more than two decades, fumed: 'It never occurred to me that our local council would not support us, but rather fight against us. 'With the murderous tragedy of Grenfell Tower, and the shock that our homes too have unsafe cladding, I fully expected that the council would support and help us. 'We need Greenwich Council to support us and the internal defects need to be fully remediated. 'The council needs to retract its report that there was no evidence of building regulation breaches at the time of construction. "I was there. I know the staircase was not enclosed.' In a letter to all residents, Greenwich Council said: "The Council was asked if it could exercise power under the Building Act 1984 to ensure that necessary remediation works were carried out. "The Council's position is that there is no evidence to support action under the act. "This is not to say that there are no issues with the construction of RAQ; indeed, everyone agrees remediation works are necessary. 14 14 "That position does not undermine the role of the BSR or the fact that remediation works have now been agreed. "Building safety laws have changed since the original construction, and our focus is on moving forward to ensure the works agreed are completed within the timescale." Mast Quay, another development less than two miles away, was ordered to be torn down in 2023 and rebuilt after Greenwich Council said its towers were too different from approved plans. Developer Comer Homes Group breached 26 planning conditions and allowed renters to move in, despite warnings to keep the flats empty while an investigation was ongoing. And now residents have questioned why those towers were ordered to be demolished, while no similar action has been taken against the builders of RAQ. It comes after an announcement last year that the RAQ developers would join a £150m Government-led venture to build thousands of homes across the country. The partnership brings together Barratt, the UK's leading housebuilder and Homes England, the Government body responsible for housebuilding. A Barratt Redrow spokesperson said: 'We are fully committed to remediating any fire safety issues identified in the original construction of these buildings. "This is at no cost to leaseholders, in line with the Developer Remediation Contract we signed in 2023, and we look forward to starting work later this month, subject to all relevant permissions being in place.' Council response A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: 'On the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, our thoughts as always are with the communities impacted by the disaster. We stand in solidarity with the Grenfell community. 'Royal Artillery Quays is a private residential development built by Barratt Homes. "Although it does not have the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, we share the same concerns as residents about fire safety and the uncertainty they have faced due to the delay in cladding being replaced. "The Government's Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up in response to Grenfell disaster to ensure that there was a single regulator and that the buildings it is responsible for, including Royal Artillery Quays, meet the highest and most recent safety standards. "Everyone in Royal Greenwich should have a safe and secure home and we welcome the fact that action is now happening: the BSR has now approved Barratt's remediation plans and work will take place later this month." Do you know more? Email 14 14 14
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Building cladding: Up to £3bn could be spent in Scotland
Up to £3bn of public money may have to be spent assessing and removing potentially flammable cladding from buildings in estimates from the Scottish government suggest up to 1,450 residential buildings may need remediation work, including about 250 high-rises. It was previously estimated about 900 buildings were full surveys will be needed to establish what needs to be done on a case-by-case basis, with 107 buildings being examined as part of a pilot phase. It is now estimated that the Cladding Remediation Programme could cost £1.7bn to £3.1bn over a 15-year new legislation is passed by the Scottish Parliament, additional funding could be unlocked to fix building safety issues. The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill will see a tax charged on the construction of certain new residential properties, in line with equivalent legislation in bill seeks to raise about £30m a year to help fund work to fix residential buildings with unsafe cladding which have no linked Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: "The Scottish government is committed to doing what is right and necessary to address the challenge of fixing buildings affected by unsafe cladding."That includes putting the appropriate funding arrangements in place to ensure that the associated costs of cladding remediation do not fall directly onto affected homeowners."I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and this levy will ensure they make a fair contribution to these costs, just as they will be doing in England."He added: "I also welcome the continued co-operation of developers who have accepted responsibility for the assessments and any required mitigation and remediation of their buildings." Grenfell Tower fire The UK government agreed in principle to devolve the powers needed for a Scottish Building Safety Levy last month ministers announced plans to speed up efforts to inspect and repair buildings in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London that killed 72 23-storey tower's cladding is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the broke out in the kitchen of a fourth-floor flat at the tower block in North Kensington, just before 01:00 on 14 June minutes, the fire had rapidly spread up the exterior of the building and moved across all four sides. By 03:00, most of the upper floors were well well as those killed, more than 70 people were Cladding Remediation Programme was set up in the aftermath of the disaster but Scottish ministers have been criticised for its slow progress.
