Hundreds of Uni students in Lincoln forced to leave accommodation over fire safety concerns
It'll affect around 500 students at the University
Last updated 18th Oct 2022
Around 500 university students in Lincoln are having to leave their accommodation while fire safety improvements are made.
It's after a review of the Gateway apartment block.
The University of Lincoln's Academic Registrar Judith Cary tells us more about the issue:
"We need to make some improvements to the building that relates to fire stopping. It's also about enhancements to the stairways. So the exit routes out of the building.
"All of that is work which it really wouldn't be possible to do while the students are in the building because it would cause a lot of disruption.
"The commitment that we've made to all of our students is that no student will have to pay any more than they were currently contracted for in the Gateway. If the accommodation, they are moving into is cheaper then they'll just pay the cheaper rate."
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue commented:
“We have been working closely with the University of Lincoln following concerns raised as part of our continual fire safety work, relating to The Gateway Student Accommodation building in Lincoln.
"Our fire safety inspectors have been working alongside the University and reviewing information relating to fire safety measures within the building.
"We’re fully supportive of the University’s decision to re-locate students whilst further surveys are carried out and remedial works undertaken, and will continue to provide support and advice as necessary.”
The Gateway is leased by the University but owned by a private Landlord, Mapletree.
Mapletree’s spokesperson said:
“When the alleged fire safety issues were raised by the University of Lincoln, Mapletree has engaged the University as well as appointed an external consultant to review and work towards resolving the matter.
"The consultants concluded that none of the issues raised required remediation plan. Nonetheless, we will continue to discuss with the University on ways to resolve the issues as the health and safety of the students are of utmost importance to us.
"On the 11 October, Mapletree was made aware by the University of their intentions to re-house the students residing in The Gateway, on the grounds of health and safety. On 17th October we learned that the University had started to relocate students to alternative accommodation.
"We empathise with the students for the inconvenience they may experience and will continue to engage with the University on the next course of actions. We will update when more information is available.”