You may remember that late last year, we had to carry out further inspections with the fire engineer and undertake further design works that put the project on hold for a while. During these inspections, some further improvements to the building were recommended by the fire engineers to further protect Milliners Wharf and make it safer from fire.
Some of these recommendations were around the use of timber for the balcony decking on the carpark side of the building and on Carruthers Street. In the event of a fire, the timber would enable the flames to spread vertically up the building from balcony to balcony, therefore it was suggested that the timber be replaced with a non-combustible alternative. The best alternative to combat this risk is the use of aluminium decking, with the preferred system being ‘Alideck’ (further information about this product can be found through the following link https://www.alideck.co.uk/decking/use/balconies/).
The balconies affected are only the balconies that protrude out from the building. This is the triangular balconies on the car park side of the building and the rectangular balconies on the Carruthers St elevation. The way in which these works are planned to be carried out is to undertake the replacement immediately after the cladding works have been completed in each area, we will be in touch with each resident individually with a confirmed date closer to the time so please keep an eye on your post box.
Our initial plan is to complete all works from the mast climbers with no requirement for access through the apartments. All that we will require, is that balconies are cleared of all furniture and fittings the night before works are due to be carried out, this should only be for a period of 2 days. In terms of disturbance to residents, this will be similar to the other cladding works that have been carried out, apart from the fact that access to your balcony will be restricted. The noise levels will be slightly higher as the decking boards will need to be cut but this will be for short periods only and will be intermittent throughout the day.
If you would like any further information, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to submit your question via the ‘Get in Touch’ page on the website.