Unite has announced it expects to replace cladding on some of its tower blocks after tests revealed they contain similar materials thought to be at fault in the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The student accommodation developer revealed after submitting samples from 132 properties on it's estate to the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the Department of Communities and Local Government reported that samples from six buildings "did not meet the standards as set out in the initial test.

Unite said: "ACM cladding represents around 25% of the total cladding on four of the buildings and around 70% on the remaining two.

"Since receipt of the test results, experts from local fire and rescue authorities have undertaken a detailed inspection of the overall design of all six properties and the safety measures and procedures in place. In each case, they have concluded that, subject to some minor adjustments (that have all now been implemented), the buildings remain safe for occupation. The buildings are: Sky Plaza and Concept Place in Leeds; Greetham Street in Portsmouth; Olympic Way and St Pancras Way in London; and Waverley House in Bristol."


Unite added in the anticipated cost of remedial work was between £1 million and £2 million.

"All estimates represent the cost to Unite Group and would be incurred across the 2017 and 2018 financial years," the developer continued.

"No provision has been recognised in the financial statements at the half year due to the uncertainty.

"The remedial measures we have already taken and our commitment to take further action where necessary following the second phase of BRE's testing demonstrate our determination to put the safety of our residents first. Our buildings are modern, well maintained and built with advanced fire management specifications and have rigorous fire safety management and maintenance regimes."

(LM/MH)