Cladding removed from new Lincoln student block after Grenfell Tower fire

The University of Lincoln is removing cladding from one of its ongoing student accommodation blocks following the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower.

Panels have been taken down from one of the Cygnet Wharf blocks being constructed on the edge of the Brayford after it was identified that cladding did not meet newly-issued government guidance.

The cladding will be replaced with a new safety-approved material before any students move in.

The university is one of a number of organisations in the city undertaking reviews of multi-storey buildings’ fire safety.

So far this has entailed checks on all buildings with cladding, fire safety plans and policies for staff and students.

Private student accommodation providers have also been asked to provide formal assurances that they have reviewed their buildings, including construction materials and fire safety procedures.

Photo: The Lincolnite

A University of Lincoln spokesperson said: “The safety of our students and staff is of the highest importance to us. Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower the university immediately launched a full review of fire safety across all of its buildings.

“This includes construction materials, provision of fire safety measures and evacuation procedures in all our campus buildings and student residential accommodation to ensure they are of the highest standard.

“As a matter of course we routinely test fire alarms, conduct evacuation drills and provide detailed fire safety guidance to students at induction.

“As part of the review, we have also looked at the materials used in buildings currently under construction. It was identified that cladding on a small proportion of one of the buildings within our new Cygnet Wharf accommodation development did not meet newly issued Government guidance.

“We have immediately begun work to remove the cladding and replace it with a suitable material, prior to it being occupied.

“We have also written to all private providers of student accommodation requiring them to provide formal assurances that they have reviewed their buildings, including construction materials and fire safety procedures, in line with Government directives.”