Analysis of Rydon’s residential blocks reveals serious safety concerns

The Guardian has reported that Rydon, the company responsible for installing the cladding on Grenfell Tower, is facing serious fire safety issues in more than half of its residential blocks.

An analysis of government figures shows that out of 25 residential blocks built by Rydon’s development arm, 14 are afflicted with significant safety concerns.

Extensive remediation challenges identified across England’s high-rise buildings

This revelation is part of a larger problem within England’s property sector.

According to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities accessed by The Guardian, over 1,325 buildings above 11 metres have been deemed unsafe.

The estimated cost for remedying these blocks stands at over £2.7 billion, which equates to an average of just over £2 million per building.

Rydon’s role in Grenfell Tower tragedy under scrutiny

Following the Grenfell Tower disaster, where 72 residents tragically lost their lives, major developers, including Rydon, committed to a government initiative.

This scheme requires them to address life-critical fire safety issues in buildings taller than 11 metres constructed over the past 30 years.

Life-critical safety issues primarily pertain to flammable cladding but also include fire-stopping measures in walls and fire compartmentation.

Under this scheme, developers are mandated to employ fire safety assessors to identify the blocks requiring work and to bear the costs of remediation.

Rydon has completed assessments on all its 25 buildings, with 14 needing remedial action.

As of the latest update, remediation has begun on seven of these blocks, but only two have been fully addressed.

The Guardian’s report sheds light on the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety in high-rise buildings across England, particularly in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and raises questions about the accountability and practices of major development firms like Rydon.

IFSJ Comment

The Guardian’s report on Rydon’s fire safety issues in residential blocks highlights a broader concern within England’s property development sector.

It underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and diligent compliance in building practices, especially in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The government’s remediation scheme, while a step in the right direction, reveals the scale of the challenge ahead.

Ensuring the safety of residents in high-rise buildings remains a paramount concern, calling for coordinated efforts between developers, regulatory bodies, and government initiatives.

This situation also stresses the need for transparency and accountability within the construction industry, to prevent such hazards in the future and to rebuild public trust.