Residents evacuated from Liverpool’s Fox Street Village after a dangerous electrical cable was found. Safety concerns raised again.
Ninety-six students and professionals are affected. They now need to find new places to live because the council said safety is the primary reason for this action. Residents must leave until the problem gets fixed.
The Echo newspaper visited the empty building and saw notices posted by the council which explain the situation. The main cable into Block B poses a fire risk, requiring Scottish Power to cut off the power. Block B’s electrical system is unsafe.
Because there is no power, residents can’t stay. Also, the fire alarm system won’t work under the current conditions. The notice suggests staying with family or friends, or residents could also ask their landlord for help. This isn’t the first issue at Fox Street Village.
In 2015, the council approved five blocks of apartments. This totaled 400 units at Fox Street. The developer later changed the plan, wanting to remove underground parking.
In 2019, fire safety concerns arose about cladding. This led to another council order, forcing tenants to move out quickly due to “serious construction issues”. This involved Block B, as earlier, and inspectors found issues with the whole project.
The two companies behind Fox Street Village, Linmari Construction and Fox Street Village Ltd, failed, owing creditors around £10 million then. Linmari entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation.
Records show HM Revenue and Customs claimed £966,489.61. In September 2019, the developer got a £3,000 fine for violating planning rules. A judge called the situation “disgraceful” and expressed sympathy for the residents and investors.
In 2020, the council faced a £340,000 bill due to extra costs for safety measures since the building was a fire risk. Consequently, the council paid for a “waking watch” at night. Also, the community missed out on about £1 million which was meant for local improvements.
The developers went bust, leaving the site unfinished. Now, SGL1 owns it since 2020 for £1.6 million. In 2024, a huge fire engulfed one block, specifically Block D, leaving only the concrete base remaining.
Last November, the council approved planning to build 130 new flats. SGL1 will build them despite objections. Many locals opposed the plan then, and a councillor called the development’s past “shameful” saying she wanted good development, not just anything.