Notting Hill Genesis has asked 1,000 residents to leave its Paragon scheme in Brentford, Hounslow, following fears they may be at risk from structural and fire safety building issues.
A series of safety checks, after ongoing cladding concerns and building performance issues, has revealed further problems at the 1,059-home modular development.
Paragon comprises 839 student beds, occupied by students at the University of West London, and 220 affordable flats.
NHG has asked residents to evacuate the buildings immediately, to protect their health and safety, while further investigative work is undertaken.
It follows longstanding issues at the six-block scheme, which was developed by Berkeley Homes in 2006. At the time, Paragon’s 17-storey tower was tallest modular building in the UK.
NHG acquired the scheme in 2009. It has been investigating issues over cladding and fire safety, after Government guidance issued after the fire at Grenfell Tower, as well as responding to a range of building performance issues over a number of years.
The housing association has since established waking watches and temporary alarms, and introduced simultaneous evacuation procedures. It is now evacuating the building to carry out more detailed work and protect the safety of residents.
NHG said it will ensure all residents are able to access safe alternative accommodation, providing financial support, and will work with them to find a longer-term solution.
Kate Davies, group chief executive of Notting Hill Genesis, said: “First, I want to say how sorry we are to residents that we have had to take this action and disrupt their lives. But, as a not-for-profit housing association, our priority is to provide safe, affordable housing.
“We always ensure the wellbeing of our residents, so while we are incredibly disappointed to have to make this decision, we believe that we have no choice but to ask people to leave their homes on the Paragon estate.
“This is a complex situation and we don’t yet have all the answers. We are working to uncover the full extent of the issues at Paragon so that we can provide residents with clarity about timescales, next steps and options as quickly as possible.”
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