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Report on Hanover Tower block

Image of Hanover Tower Block

An investigative report into why defective cladding was installed on the Hanover tower block in Broomhall has been published today by Sheffield City Council.

Since the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, the council has taken great steps to ensure the safety of all its residents residing in its tower blocks, including launching an investigation into how and why one of the city’s tower blocks was clad in material that did not pass a fire safety test.

Following the tragic event in London, the council immediately took the necessary steps to determine types of cladding on all of its own tower blocks. Of the 24 tower blocks owned by the city council, only the cladding system at Hanover Tower failed new fire tests established in 2017.

The council acted swiftly to remove and rectify the cladding, ensuring the safety of residents as a priority. Works to remove the cladding began by the end of June 2017 and was complete by October the same year.

By November 2019, the new compliant cladding and insulation was installed.

The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety requested a thorough review into the circumstances behind the installation of the original cladding, which resulted in a three year investigation. The findings will be released in a report today that aims to answer the following four questions:

  • Why was the cladding on Hanover different to all the other tower blocks in the City?
  • Who authorised the installation of the ACM known as Alucobond PE?
  • What steps were taken to ensure the fire safety of the materials in the cladding system?
  • Why did the Council’s Building Control not undertake inspections of the cladding material when it was put on?

Councillor Paul Wood, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at Sheffield City Council, said:

“After a thorough investigation across all parties involved in the decision making behind the original cladding on Hanover Tower, the report today shows that the council acted swiftly and with integrity once it became aware that the cladding did not meet new safety regulations. The council’s immediate concern was the safety of its residents and remedied the situation promptly.

“Considerable funding has been put into Hanover Tower and further funding for maintenance was provided. This work has been commended by the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Throughout this process the council has placed huge value and respect on the involvement of residents at the tower block and has worked closely with them as part of the Hanover Project tenants & residents group - I’d like to thank them for their cooperation in this.

“We hope that this report will strengthen confidence in the council as a landlord and highlight that the safety and wellbeing of its residents has been and always will be the number one priority. The council is also aware of a number of buildings in private ownership which are yet to comply with the regulations and we will continue to work to ensure they are brought up to standard.”

The full report is available on the Hanover Tower Block Cladding Investigation Report page.