Pure Block Management has secured Government funding to carry out essential work on Hull’s Queens Court development to ensure it meets the latest fire safety regulations.
The nine-storey city centre complex, which opened in 2004 and is home to the BBC's television and radio studios and 115 apartments, passed initial inspections in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on behalf of the Government.
However, with requirements continually updating, a detailed Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) inspection, carried out as part of our ongoing management, identified a combination of combustible materials, missing cavity barriers, and historical workmanship concerns.
Safety measures introduced with fire service
As a result of the risks identified, a number of new safety measures were immediately introduced.
This included new evacuation procedures being established by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and communicated to all residents.
A 24-hour waking watch at the site, ensuring the building was patrolled at all times by two trained fire marshals, was also introduced for a short period, until the fire alarm systems were extended and changed to immediately notify the fire service should it be triggered, rather than a 999 call needing to be made.
Acting on behalf of leaseholders, Pure Block Management applied to the Government’s Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) for funding, which has now been granted, paving the way for the improvements to be made.
‘Committed to full regulatory compliance’
Pure Block Management Director Liam Parker said: “As managing agents and client representative, we understand the importance of openness when it comes to fire safety, and we are committed to ensuring full regulatory compliance, clear communication, and minimal disruption to those living and working at Queens Court.
“Since the safety issues were first identified, we have worked closely with Humber Fire and Rescue Service, who have carried out multiple visits, and introduced various fire safety measures, including upgraded detection systems and restricted parking, to ensure everybody’s safety.
“Applying through the Government’s Cladding Safety Scheme is a detailed and lengthy process, but with PTS funding now in place we can progress with the required work with no financial burden falling on leaseholders or commercial tenants, including the BBC.
“A planning application has been submitted to Hull City Council and tenders for the project are due back this month, with works expected to commence in late 2025 or early 2026 and continue for approximately 18 months. The building will remain fully operational throughout this period.”
Queens Court is one of four Yorkshire residential apartment blocks that Pure Block Management is securing funding for to replace external cladding which has been identified as no longer meeting the required standards.
Funding was also successfully secured earlier this year to replace cladding at Kemley House in Hull, a 1980s building which initially housed offices but was converted into a residential block in 2005, consisting of 34 flats. Work started onsite in June and is expected to be completed by January 2026.
