Council officials are carrying out emergency inspections of a new luxury tower block in Manchester’s city centre after residents saw external panels blown away from the building in the recent stormy weather.
A local councillor is calling for the developer of Angel Gardens, a 36-storey skyscraper, which opened last year, to reassure residents that the building is safe.
Caddick Construction, the firm leading the construction for develop and sister company Moda Living, confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that three exterior panels have been blown off as a result of windy weather during Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.
Both the highways and building control teams at Manchester City Council have been called in to deal with the issue, and a number of road closures have been in place since yesterday (February 18).
Jon-Connor Lyons, Labour councillor for the Piccadilly ward and a local resident, said he contacted building control himself last week to complain.
“I raised these concerns with Manchester City Council last week and I’m glad to see action is being taken,” he said.
“It needs clarifying what residents both in Angel Gardens, and around the building, have to do to stay safe in the area, and what further work will be undertaken to ensure all panels are fitted properly.
“Answers need to be given about further work that needs to happen with the panels. I live in this area, as do hundreds of people including children, and we need to know that the building is safe to pass.”
A spokesperson for Caddick Construction said in a statement to the Manchester Evening News: “Certain sections of Angel Gardens are still under construction and have been affected by Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara, which came in quick succession.
“Caddick Construction is liaising closely with Manchester City Council and is fully securing the area and engaging with neighbours as an additional precaution.
“All of the panels have passed extensive stress testing and the façade contractor is now undertaking further extensive external checks to each panel to ensure the building and surrounding area is safe and secure.”
