Residents of Sundowner Court in Ocean Village, Southampton, were alarmingly evacuated after an inspection revealed that the building's steel structure lacked fireproofing measures that could have culminated in a catastrophic incident over the past two decades. The evacuation, ordered by HMS Property Management Services, was prompted by an alarming assessment from fire engineers indicating severe risks of structural collapse in the event of a serious fire.
The building, which comprises 40 flats, had previously undergone safety evaluations, including the removal of hazardous cladding and the closure of its underground parking, due to ongoing fire safety concerns. In a dramatic turn of events on February 22, leaseholders and tenants received a sudden evacuation notice, compelling residents to vacate by 7 PM the same day. Many, like tenant Remy Kirk, had to rush back home from distant locations, packing their belongings amidst rising panic.
During a residents' meeting, management revealed additional fire safety issues, such as inadequate separation between apartments and communal areas, which could significantly heighten fire spread risks. HMS’s director, Sean Eckton, expressed relief that a disaster had been averted over the last 20 years since the building's construction, which was approved by the local authority at the time.
The original developer, Wilson Bowden, who built the properties now owned by Barratt Redrow, has voiced support for the evacuation decision, assuring residents of ongoing assistance for accommodation without any costs to them. The local building control authority continues to investigate the construction of the complex, with similar fire safety surveys planned for other buildings in the area.
