BBC seeks extended timetable for cladding safety work over fears of impact on live broadcasts

‘FIRE SAFETY DEFECTS’: Queen’s Court

EXCLUSIVE

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Urgent work to replace unsafe cladding at the BBC’s home in Hull city centre could be delayed because of concerns the noise might disrupt live broadcasts.

As previously reported by The Hull Story, a survey in March 2021 found cladding at Queen’s Court no longer met fire safety standards.

The building, overlooking Queen’s Gardens, has 115 residential apartments and is also the regional home of the BBC, where it broadcasts BBC Radio Humberside and flagship daily news programme Look North.

The survey initially highlighted issues with the grey exterior cladding and cladding around the stairs. It is understood the cladding will need replacing while additional fire barriers will be installed in the cavities between the cladding and the building.

But although the project has reached an “advanced stage” – with funding approved and a contractor appointed – The Hull Story has learned revised proposals have now been submitted after the BBC raised concerns about the “potential impact of noise and vibration on its live radio and television broadcasting operations”.

These proposals would “substantially” extend the duration of the work and “significantly increase overall project costs”, Pure Block Management, the managing agents of the building, said.

Liam Parker, director of Pure Block Management, which is part of Garness Group, said: “The remediation of the external wall system at Queens Court is essential to ensure the building meets current fire safety standards.

“A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW), followed by intrusive investigations undertaken by specialist fire engineers, identified non-compliant cladding materials, missing cavity barriers and other fire safety defects which require remediation.

“Funding for the qualifying remediation works has been secured through the Government's Cladding Safety Scheme following an application made on behalf of Queen’s Court.

“As a result, leaseholders will not be responsible for the cost of qualifying works covered by the scheme.

“The project has reached an advanced stage, with the scope of works approved and a contractor appointed. Discussions are currently focused on agreeing a programme that enables the works to proceed whilst taking account of operational requirements raised by the BBC, which occupies part of the building.

“The BBC has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of noise and vibration on its live radio and television broadcasting operations and has sought restrictions to working hours throughout the duration of the project.

“Whilst we recognise those concerns and the importance of maintaining broadcasting services, those restrictions would substantially extend the duration of the remediation works and significantly increase overall project costs.

“Revised programme proposals reflecting those restrictions have been submitted to Homes England for consideration and discussions remain ongoing to identify a practical way forward.”

He added: “The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan places significant emphasis on progressing the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding as quickly as possible.

“Queen’s Court is an 18-metre-plus residential building with identified fire safety defects that require remediation, and we remain committed to progressing the project as quickly as possible.

“We remain hopeful that a solution can be reached which enables these important fire safety works to commence whilst balancing the interests of all parties affected.

“The safety of all users of Queen’s Court must remain the overriding priority.

“The building has identified fire safety defects which require remediation, and it is important that these works are delivered without unnecessary delay.”

The Government has previously announced plans to introduce legislation requiring landlords to complete cladding remediation work on buildings of over 18 metres by the end of 2029, or face potential prosecution.

Homes England said it did not comment on individual cases but its main objective was to ensure buildings with external wall fire safety defects are “remediated as quickly as possible”.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are aware of the planned works and we are talking to the landlord to minimise disruption to our programmes.”

Queen’s Court was built in 2002.