'Structurally compromised' Bristol housing block still not safe for residents’ return

A 15-storey tower block in Bristol that was ‘temporarily’ evacuated two months ago due to a structural risk is still not safe for residents to return to, residents have heard at a meeting with the council today.

At the update meeting, residents were told that they should continue to take up alternative accommodation and not return to the block whilst essential works are carried out.

Barton House housing block, located to the east of Bristol city centre, was evacuated on 14 November last year after a building survey revealed that three out of the 98 flats in the block were “structurally compromised”, and “that in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there’s a risk to the structure of the block”. 

The flats were constructed in 1958, making Barton House Bristol’s oldest tower block. 

The two main safety concerns identified during initial surveys from November 2023 were that some structural ties connecting the floors and the walls were potentially missing and that the concrete cover that protects the building’s metal reinforcement may have been too thin.

Structural engineers, Avon Fire and Rescue Service representatives, and Bristol mayor Marvin Rees were present at the residents’ meeting this morning.

According to a summary of the meeting provided to Housing Today by Bristol City Council, officers explained that the structural ties and metal bars that run through the concrete floors and walls of Barton House were found to be “in place and in good order”.

Following further investigation, engineers also found that the thickness of the concrete cover, which provides vital protection for the building’s metal structure, was “generally good” throughout the building.

In areas where the concrete cover is thinnest, engineers found a layer of blockwork or cement in place, which they said added additional protection.

Engineers also identified steel sections in key locations, which provide essential support for the structure in case of a fire or an explosion.

These steel structures, also known as “goal posts”, were found to have their own protective cover, which engineers said was “in good order”, however, officers have decided to install new, additional fireproofing on these steel beams to enhance the protection for the metalwork.

The additional fireproofing work has already begun in flats where access has been granted by tenants, and will need to be completed in 42 out of the 98 flats in the block in total.

The mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said that the council hopes to move residents back into Barton House by the end of February.

Rees said: “Since our meeting with residents in December, we have been busy working with engineers to establish the extent of the works needed at Barton House to make it safe for residents to return. Those actions are now agreed. We shared the planned approach with Avon Fire and Rescue Service who confirmed that this work is needed before residents can return safely.

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There are contractors in place, either carrying out these works already or prepared to begin immediately, as we continue to move at pace to make the block safe. The residents of individual flats are being approached to gain permission to carry out works in their properties. This is a vital part of how quickly we can move to complete these works and any delay in gaining access will impact on our plans to support residents to move back into Barton House by 23 February.

He added: “We are now in a place where we can have a high level of confidence that the structure of Barton House is safer than we thought back in November, but not yet safe for residents to return. This confidence comes from the detailed further work carried out by engineers to survey the block across a number of key locations and the findings of those investigations. These results will be published once we have the final report and can be assured that we have taken all reasonable steps to make the block safe. We remain grateful to all Barton House residents for continuing to support our efforts and allowing us the opportunity to carry out these essential works, and to everyone who is continuing to support affected tenants.”