High-rise building safety

A high-rise building is at least 18 metres or 7 storeys tall and has at least 2 flats. We have 25 high-rise buildings across Sunderland.

Overview

The Health and Safety Executive is the Building Safety Regulator for England. Their role is to make sure high-rise buildings are a safe place to live. Find out more about the Building Safety Regulator.

There are regulations that focus on fire and structural safety. We already have measures in place to keep customers, leaseholders and residents safe, but we are reviewing how we keep our buildings safe so you can:

  • be confident that your building is fire and structurally safe
  • get involved and have your say in building safety decisions

Improving your home and building

We are investing £300 million to improve existing homes from 2019 to 2024. In 2022 to 2023, this includes improving 23 of the 25 high-rise buildings across Sunderland by:

  • installing automatic opening vents that help remove smoke from your building if there is a fire
  • replacing fire alarms
  • replacing communal boilers
  • replacing heaters in communal rooms
  • upgrading internet connections
  • repairing and decorating communal areas
  • rewiring buildings and flats
  • installing sprinklers in flats
  • installing new kitchens and bathrooms

We will work with you to make sure you understand:

  • what improvements we will do
  • how the improvements will make your building safer
  • how the improvements will affect you

We are also doing surveys of your building’s:

  • structure
  • external walls to assess fire safety standards
  • internal walls and floors that help stop smoke and fire from spreading and give you more time to get out of the building if there is a fire
  • signs, including installing new signs in the lifts, stairs and on each floor

High-rise buildings

Central

  • Astral House
  • City Green
  • Planet House
  • River Quarter
  • Solar House

East End

  • Lambton Tower
  • Londonderry Tower
  • Lumley Tower

Hendon

  • D'Arcy Court
  • Hedworth Court
  • South Durham Court

North

  • Church Street North
  • Dame Dorothy Crescent
  • Devonshire Tower
  • Dock Street
  • Eglinton Tower
  • Victor Street
  • Zetland Square

Lakeside

  • Aberdeen Tower
  • Aden Tower
  • Aldenham Tower
  • Altrincham Tower
  • Amalfi Tower
  • Amble Tower
  • Australia Tower

If you have questions about building safety

Contact Stacey Thwaites, Building Safety Advisor, by:

For any other questions about your building or neighbourhood, call 0191 525 5000 and select option 4.