FAMILIES in a residential block of flats in Edinburgh which caught fire two years ago have been told they should leave their homes after a safety concern was discovered.
Residents have been advised to leave their homes in the Bond Building, on Breadalbane Street in Bonnington, and take refuge in temporary hotel accommodation after concerns were raised about fire safety, according to The Herald.
The former 19th-century whisky bond was converted into a residential development for an estimated £16 million and was bought by Great Park Estates Ltd and Persimmon City Developments for £3.1 million in 2001.
More than 100 People were forced to flee from the building in March 2024 after a fire beginning in one of the flats spread throughout the building.
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Evacuated families were able to return to their homes following the blaze, but have raised fire safety concerns in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy.
Those in the building have now been advised to leave following fire safety inspections, with the owners stating they understand the news will be “upsetting and disruptive” for those affected.
A letter to residents said the building’s owners were writing to update them on “an important safety matter affecting the Bond Building”.
It continued: “Following the latest fire safety inspections and detailed investigations, Persimmon Homes has received specialist advice regarding the building.
“Based on this advice, and as a precautionary measure in the interests of resident safety, Persimmon Homes is strongly recommending that all residents temporarily relocate from the Bond Building.
“We appreciate that this news will be upsetting and disruptive, and we sincerely apologise for the impact it will have. However, based on the expert advice received, we believe this is the safest and most responsible course of action while longer-term remediation works are developed and carried out.”
It added that Persimmon Homes has funded a range of additional safety measures, including enhanced waking watch arrangements and increased building inspections, along with dedicated personnel present across both blocks at all times, supported by a supervising officer.
The letter continued: “While these measures remain in place, our specialists have advised that temporary relocation provides the highest level of protection for residents during the remediation period.
“Immediate temporary hotel accommodation is available for all residents, and we strongly encourage you to take up this offer.”
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Following the blaze in 2024, City of Edinburgh Council's regulatory committee noted that a single building survey carried out in May 2022 had identified “multiple life safety critical issues” with the Bond Building.
The survey outlined issues with the building of the block of flare included the use of combustible cladding and insulation; combustible decking; fire-stopping issues; and seven non-compliant lifts.
Polyethylene-filled aluminium cladding used on Grenfell Tower was ruled as the primary cause of the rapid fire that spread and killed 72 people in June 2017.
The Bond Buildings evacuation policy was changed from “stay put” to “simultaneous evacuation”.
Following an investigation, it was determined the 2024 fire was due to “electrics in a flat”.
A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes and the Bond Building Owners Committee said: “Following recent detailed investigations of the building, experts have advised that residents should relocate from their apartments as a precautionary measure.
“Persimmon Homes is offering immediate temporary accommodation to all affected residents. Persimmon Homes apologises for the obvious inconvenience and concern this will cause to all residents and will continue to provide on-going support until the situation is resolved.”