Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University Statement

An Edinburgh Napier University spokesperson said:

“Following the Grenfell Tower fire in London we immediately began a review of all our buildings.

“A physical inspection identified that around a quarter of the exterior walls on one of our buildings – Bainfield Halls of residence – featured the same cladding reportedly used at Grenfell.

“The insulation materials behind the Bainfield cladding panels are non-combustible, the panel hangings are all made of metal, the wall cavities are properly fire-stopped and the buildings are fitted with sprinklers.

“There are also a range of other fire safety measures in place, including each block having its own exit route, a modern fire alarm and smoke detection system that is tested weekly, and 24-hour on-site security.

“Work has already begun to remove and replace the cladding as a precautionary measure. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service inspected the building on Tuesday (27th June) and reported back that they are content with the fire safety management of the buildings. Residents are not being evacuated.

Update July 18: Music extension at Merchiston

The University has received the first full draft report on the independent inspection of all building cladding material across the University estate.

Although the University’s initial desktop review of cladding at Merchiston did not identify any particular concerns, this new inspection report identifies that the music extension is clad with an aluminium composite material (ACM) called Alucobond.

The cladding of the music extension is believed to be less than one per cent of the overall external wall area of the Merchiston Campus.

Whilst this is a different ACM panel to that found on Grenfell Tower and our Bainfield Residential Accommodation, we will be undertaking further action to replace these panels over the coming weeks, with the aim of completing the works by the end of October. 

The presence of ACM panels at the extension to the Merchiston campus does not appear to contravene any current building regulations or present any increased fire risk, but the university is committed to providing an environment for staff and students that is as safe as possible. 

Important points:

• Bainfield Halls of Residence is located in the Fountain Park area of Edinburgh. 
• It is owned by Standard Life Investments – the University has a long term full repairing and insuring (FRI) lease on the building. 
• A contractor has been appointed to replace the cladding, and the work is expected to be finished by mid-August. 
• Students entering the accommodation for the 2017-18 academic year on September 1 will not be affected by the work.
• The ‘wood-effect’ exterior cladding being removed – Reynobond PE – is made up of two thin aluminium sheets with a polyethylene filler. 
• The insulation material behind the cladding is Rockwool, which is a non-combustible product.
• For more information please contact the University press office on 0131 455 6251 or 0791 755 9503. Alternatively email EdNapierNews@napier.ac.uk