13/03/20 

A £17m investment to clad five high-rise blocks of flats in the city will be discussed by Cabinet next week.

The Council is proposing to replace cladding it removed from the tower blocks two years ago, in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, with a new ceramic brick-based solution which will improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings.

How the city's high rise flats could look with the proposed new cladding solution

The cladding was removed from five of the Council's six high-rise blocks after testing showed, thatwhile none of the buildings contained ACM, the material that clad Grenfell,it did not meet current fire standards andso was a potential risk to residents. 

Cladding was taken down at Lydstep flats in Llandaff North, Nelson House in Butetown and Channel View in Grangetown. Claddingremained in place at Loudoun House as the block has two stairwells and is considered lower risk than other high-rise buildings.

Since the cladding removal, a number if tenants have experienced a deterioration in the condition of their flats with additional condensation and mould due to the reduced insulation. The Council engaged consultants to carry out surveys and ascertain the best way forward for the buildings and following a review of the options, the ceramic brick-based cladding is recommended as the most appropriate solution.

Channel View high-rise is not included  in the recladding programme as the block is due to be demolished as part of an exciting redevelopment programme for the whole estate.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "The safety of residents living in our high rise blocks has been a priority for the council and I'm very pleased that we are now able to propose a way forward for recladding these five buildings.

"It's been important that we find the right solution for the buildings, in terms of safety and thermal efficiency. This brickwork solution is the safest option available on the market, being non-combustible and will also significantly increase its energy efficiency of the building and comfort for residents.

"We have consulted with our tenants and leaseholders throughout this process and are very grateful to everyone affected for their patience and co-operation during this time.

Consultation will continue to take place at the scheme moves forward."

The estimated £17m cost of the cladding will be funded from the Council's Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme. Cabinet is recommended to approve the procurement of a contractor for the recladding works, which will be carried out on a phased basis, starting with the three blocks at Lydstep Flats later this year.