Sundowner Court evacuated due to 'immediate' fire risks

Those living in the 40 apartments at Sundowner Court on Channel Way were hand-delivered a letter yesterday, telling them they must leave the premises within hours.

The exclusive flat block overlooks the Ocean Village Marina.

The letter noted that the move to evacuate by 7pm that day was being made after Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service discovered major safety defects.

Residents have not been told when they may be able to return.

Hampshire Fire confirmed to the Echo that they were alerted to "immediate risks to resident safety" by new management company HMS Property Management Services on Friday.

The luxury flat block wrapped in scaffold overlooks the Ocean Village Marina. (Image: Newsquest) The letter handed to residents - from Totton-based HMS - said these defects were "substantial".

READ MORE: Residents in Ocean Village flats freezing without insulation for nine months

It said: "Hants Fire and Rescue insist you must evacuate today as a fire at Sundowner Court has the potential to spread and develop beyond the room of fire origin, through compartmentation failures and risk of fire spread through the external wall.

"As a result of the above residents must be decanted (evacuated) from Sundowner Court until the risks are suitably addressed."

Security is on site to escort residents to their rooms to collect personal belongings, though this can only be done by appointment only.

New management company HMS Property Management Services were not supposed to take over until April 1, but due to the urgency of the situation, the appointment of the firm was accelerated to February 21.

Residents at Sundowner Court told the Echo in October that they had been left freezing in their own homes after the building's insulation was stripped ten months ago.

READ MORE: Popular waterfront bar and restaurant closed until further notice

The cladding was removed as part of fire safety works commissioned following the Grenfell tragedy.

As well as freezing conditions, residents have also suffered from damp, mould and leaks – with one resident left having rainwater pouring through a ceiling spotlight.

HMS Property Management Services has been contacted for comment.

Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, said the situation brings more "misery" for residents who have already been affected by "snail-pace" works.

The MP said: "It’s high-time that those responsible took this seriously and fixed things urgently. I’ll be watching the situation closely and doing what I can to ensure affected residents get the support they need.”

'Immediate risks' - Hampshire Fire's full statement on Sundowner Court

The entrance to Sundowner Court - where security are stationed to escort residents collecting belongings. (Image: Newsquest) High rise residential building fire safety manager Matthew Rowe said: “Those responsible for high rise buildings, whether individuals or organisations, have a legal duty to ensure their premises comply with fire safety legislation.

"We work closely with management companies and responsible persons to support the implementation of strong safety measures, helping to reduce risks to both residents and the wider public.

"On Friday 21 February, we were alerted by the management company of Sundowner Court on Channel Way in Southampton to some serious fire safety concerns. New information had highlighted immediate risks to resident safety in the event of a fire.

"In response Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service visited the premises and met with the responsible person. Mitigation measures were agreed and put into place with immediate effect ensuring that all residents remained safe. 

"We understand this situation will cause significant disruption, but we support the management company’s decision to prioritise resident safety.

In cases like these our primary concern is always the safety and wellbeing of those living in high-rise buildings, and we will continue working to ensure fire safety standards are met.”