A growing number of housebuilders and developers are downing tools, while the government locks horns with politicians and trade bodies over continuing construction during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mitsubishi Estate, Stanhope, Lendlease, British Land, Persimmon and Bellway have all halted construction in response to the pandemic.
Development at Mitsubishi Estate and Stanhope’s 8 Bishopsgate, EC2, was suspended yesterday, 25 March, following advice from construction manager Lendlease.
A spokesman said: “This decision follows government guidelines around maintaining a two metre distance between people in all areas. A full risk assessment is under way to investigate the possibility of construction works continuing under this strict control measure.”
On Tuesday 24 March, some of the UK’s largest developers and contractors opted to close construction sites despite government advice that building could continue if conducted under Public Health England social distancing guidelines.
Housebuilders Barratt Developments, Galliard, L&Q, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Homes (formerly Bovis), all closed their sites.
Construction firms Multiplex and Mace opted to close some of London’s largest developments at 22 Bishopsgate, One Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.
The Federation of Master Builders estimated that around 60% of builders had already ceased the majority of their work, on 26 March. It said only emergency and critical construction work should be allowed to continue.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Most FMB members have already taken the lead and ceased the majority of their work. It is almost impossible to follow Public Health England’s social distancing advice on many sites, and it would therefore be safer to close them.”
However, the National Federation of Builders has not issued recommendations to stop work, instead reiterating the need for social distancing measures and safety precautions.
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