Redrow, a major developer, has recently confirmed that the work to rectify fire safety defects and other issues at the Celestia flats in Cardiff Bay will take longer than initially expected. The company had informed leaseholders at the Celestia complex that remediation work on the buildings would take two years. However, following a tender process, Redrow has now awarded a contract to a firm to carry out the work, which could potentially extend the timeline by an additional six months beyond the original two-year plan.
During a session at the Senedd, Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central Rhys ab Owen disclosed that leaseholders were informed in October that the remediation work would now span two and a half years instead of the initial two-year estimate. Just two days later, this timeframe was further extended to three years, without any clear explanation provided for the delay. Redrow maintains that the current works programme is scheduled for 130 weeks, commencing in February 2025. Apart from fire safety concerns, residents at Celestia have raised issues about algae on the buildings and pieces of render detaching and falling off.
Despite Redrow’s appointment of a contractor and ongoing discussions with the management company to address the disruption caused by necessary scaffolding, the completion timeline remains uncertain. Concerns have been voiced about the lack of transparency regarding the tender exercise conducted by Redrow for the remediation works at Celestia. The company’s decision not to disclose details of the tendering process has led to scepticism and unease among leaseholders.
In April 2024, Redrow’s proposal to finance and execute works at Celestia was welcomed by leaseholders. However, cladding campaigners in Wales have continued to express apprehensions about the progress of remediation efforts across the country. While the Celestia Management Company Limited was under the impression that the repair work would conclude within two years, they acknowledged the prolonged disruption and sales restrictions that leaseholders would endure.
Cladding campaigners, Welsh Cladiators, have urged the Welsh Government to intervene and press Redrow to share information about the tender process for the Celestia works. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the order in which the apartment blocks will undergo renovations, with Vega House identified as a priority due to safety concerns. Redrow, along with other developers, has committed to the Welsh Government’s developers’ contract aimed at addressing fire safety issues in buildings constructed over the past three decades.
A Welsh Government spokesperson noted that following a competitive tender process, an updated work schedule has been proposed, prioritising resident safety and work quality over cost considerations. The government remains dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of building safety in Wales and is actively collaborating with prominent developers to address internal and external fire safety issues comprehensively. Residents and stakeholders eagerly anticipate the successful completion of the remediation works, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety and transparency throughout the process.
The delay in the remediation works at Celestia serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in addressing fire safety defects and building issues in high-rise complexes. Transparency, accountability, and timely communication are crucial elements that should be upheld by all parties involved to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of residents and leaseholders across such developments.