University of Leeds statement: Fire safety update
Update 23 October 2018: The small amount of cladding at the top of the Sentinel Towers building has been replaced with non-combustible cladding.
Statement Tuesday 19 September 2017
The University has completed precautionary assessments of cladding materials across its entire estate and is now determining the appropriate action in line with developing Government guidance.
Our investigations identified that a small amount of cladding around the top of Sentinel Towers, a student residence on Burley Street, did not meet the Government’s national combustibility standard.
Following a detailed inspection by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, we contacted students directly to provide reassurance that we can continue to safely occupy this residence because of the robust fire safety measures already in place.
In recognition of ongoing national concerns about cladding and to provide further reassurance, we are now planning to change the sections around the top of the building and students in Sentinel will be updated with the schedule of work.
We have also directly contacted users of The Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, an academic research building on the St James’ campus, to inform them that cladding on this building did not meet national test standards.
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service completed its fire safety inspection and we have reassured staff that the comprehensive fire safety measures mitigate risks from fire. We will update users directly with any plans to modify or change sections of cladding to ensure any work is completed safely and with minimal disturbance.
We will continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and will review and undertake appropriate remedial work across our entire estate as necessary, in line with the latest guidance published by the authorities. We can reassure staff, students and campus users that our existing fire safety provision is of an excellent standard and that they can continue to safely occupy our buildings. Their safety remains an absolute priority.
Should you have any further queries, please contact the University’s Communications team on pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk, and we will ensure your query is directed to the appropriate individuals.
Please note that previous statements about cladding and fire safety have now been archived.