Fife Tower Blocks to Undergo £4m Renovations to Remove Grenfell-like Cladding
Extensive Fire Safety Renovations for Swan and Memorial Court in Methil Given Green-light by Fife Council
Councillors in Fife have given the go-ahead for millions of pounds worth of work to improve fire safety at two tower blocks in Methil.
It's after Grenfell-like cladding was discovered on the Swan and Memorial Court buildings. The work - which could take a year - will see that external cladding replaced, as well as updating electrics and heating systems.
The £4.5 million package of improvement works follows a review of fire safety into the high rise blocks which contains 156 households across the two buildings.
As a “precaution”, existing cladding will now be stripped down and replaced with mineral wool EWI, at a cost of between £2m-£3m. At the same time, a range of other improvements will now also be carried out, including the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms with the installation of appropriate fire stopping in each flat; an upgrade of the electric heating system to Infra-Red Heating; and the installation of a new fire evacuation alarm system to both blocks.
Fife Council says the total cost for the work – estimated between £4m and £4.5m – will be met over two financial years from existing budgets, and the programme of works is due to run from now until September 2024.
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s housing and building services spokesperson, said: “Improving the fire safety of our tower blocks in Fife and the safety of our tenants and residents is paramount to the Council,” she said.
“While replacing the external wall insulation in this instance, it makes perfect sense for us to take the opportunity to upgrade the tower blocks to EESSH 2 standard to realise all the benefits that would bring, and it’s also only right to upgrade both blocks simultaneously to further reassure people living in the area.
“These works will be delivered at pace to ensure that the highest standards continue to be met and that tenants can be reassured that they remain safe in their homes at Swan and Memorial Courts.”