Liam Parker, Senior Block Manager at Garness Jones Residential, said
Cladding on all high-rise residential developments has been under constant review since 2017 and since that time, Queens Court in Hull has been tested by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on behalf of the Government - a test which it passed.
However, continued investigations and further tests on cladding has since seen many more types identified as not meeting an appropriate standard of safety.
Despite no regulations enforcing further checks on residential buildings with regards external cladding after passing the initial post-2017 BRE inspection, we instructed that a survey be carried out last week, as part of our ongoing management of the building.
As part of that survey it was found that some of the cladding at Queens Court no longer meets the appropriate standard of safety.
Although we are still awaiting the full report to say exactly which parts are of concern, we have put immediate actions into place to protect the safety of all who use the building, and those in close proximity.
We immediately notified Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to enable them to take appropriate measures. New evacuation procedures have already been established and communicated to all residents.
Other measures already put in place have included a 24-hour waking watch at the site, ensuring the building is patrolled at all times by two trained marshalls. Residents have also been told they must not smoke on balconies.
The alarm system in the building is being changed to immediately notify the Fire Service should it be triggered, rather than a 999 call needing to be made. Moving forward we will be liaising with leaseholders to install additional heat detectors in the areas which have cladding.
At this stage we do not know what the long-term solution is until we receive the full survey report but envisage that at least some of the cladding on the building will need to be removed and replaced.
Obviously, ensuring the building is fully compliant to regulations, and most importantly of all safe to all those who use it, is our priority and focus.
It is positive that we have identified these concerns as part of our work, as this means we can take appropriate measures.
We want to reassure residents and building users that Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is happy with the measures already put in place and that people are safe in the building.
Over the past few days we have been impressed and thankful for the proactive approach and advice of surveyors, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and our appointed contractors. We will ensure all appropriate actions are taken to ensure the continued safety of all users of the building which is our priority.
