Redrow to pay for major repairs to block of flats

Housebuilder Redrow has agreed to fund major repairs to a block of flats in Cardiff hit by building defects.

Tests in 2019 found faults at the Celestia complex in Cardiff Bay, including "very poor or non-existent" fire barriers between flats and cladding, and insulation that did not meet standards.

Since then residents have been fighting the housebuilder to carry out the repairs amid a dispute over who would pay.

Redrow said it would now "progress the project…as soon as possible".

In a letter seen by BBC Wales, dated 9 April 2024, the housebuilder promised to fully replace the timber cladding and render on all buildings in the development.

Redrow also said it would install "non-combustible insulation" and cavity barriers to "compartment" walls and floors.

The letter outlines a timescale for the proposed works, with the work going out to tender in July and an estimated start date for repairs of "early '25".

The work is then estimated to take two years.

Mark Thomas, Chair of the Celestia Management Company limited, which represents leaseholders, confirmed the letter had been shared with the group and said it was "reviewing its contents".

Redrow contracted Laing O'Rourke to build the 450 flat complex in Cardiff Bay between 2005 and 2007.

Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, a number of apartment blocks in Wales were found to have fire safety defects.

At Celestia, a settlement agreement of £1.5m was reached between Redrow and the management of the complex in 2020.

Some remedial works have been carried out, but claimants argue fixing it fully would cost £12m.

At one point, Redrow said it would provide interest free loans to leaseholders to fund the work but this was rejected.

Residents have since found themselves unable to sell their properties and have spoken of the stress of living in the flats.

In a statement, Redrow said: "We have recently written to the management company outlining our proposals to undertake fire safety works to the external building facade as defined by independent fire safety experts.

"Once we receive the management company's agreement to these works and confirmation they will grant the necessary access licences, we will progress the project with expert remedial contractors as soon as possible."

"This accords with our commitment under the Welsh government's deed of bilateral contract, which we signed last year."

It is understood 11 housebuilders have now signed up to that contract.

Mark Thomas, chairman of the Celestia Management Company Ltd confirmed the company had received a letter of Redrow's proposals and was reviewing its contents.

It said it would not be making any public comments but confirmed the letter had been shared with leaseholders.

The Welsh government said: "We were pleased with the positive outcome between Redrow and Celestia Management Company that happened in a meeting facilitated by the Welsh government and look forward to progress being made.”