Luxury apartments issued notice by council after glass panel fell from development ‘narrowly missing passers-by’
A £400million luxury apartment complex has been issued with a Dangerous Structure Notice after a glass panel plummeted from the development, crashing to the floor and “narrowly missing passers-by”.
Neo Bankside Management Company (MANCO) was issued the notice by Southwark council last month following the incident at Neo Bankside, outside the Tate Modern, on July 1.
The incident has since been branded an “accident waiting to happen” with leaseholders, supported by their Liberal Democrat ward councillors, claiming they had been warning the owners and the council about the potential for glass breakage for five years.
Labour councillor Helen Dennis said: “The safety of our residents is of paramount importance to us and we take incidents like this incredibly seriously.”
The cabinet member for new homes & sustainable development said Southwark’s building control officers were “actively engaged with the owners” following the council’s enforcement notice, to ensure that “appropriate action is being taken”.
But, Liberal Democrat Borough and Bankside councillor, Irina Von Wiese, said: “Southwark residents and visitors should be able to walk around Bankside without risking their lives.
“If Southwark council is unable to monitor and hold to account the private developers and millionaire owners of Neo Bankside, who will?”
MANCO admitted to being aware of cracking glass in the building since taking on responsibility for the property in 2017.
A spokesman said it takes “its responsibilities very seriously” and that “resolving this complex issue has always been a priority”.
In a statement, a MANCO spokesman said: “Since 2017, Manco has proactively engaged with professional advisors and specialists to identify its root cause and decide on the most appropriate permanent solution (none having yet been ruled out).
“In the meantime, as explained, in accordance with professional advice received, Manco has introduced a series of temporary safety measures, which are periodically reviewed and changed, as necessary.”
Pictured top: Neo Bankside has been issued a Dangerous Structure Notice (Picture: Southwark Liberal Democrats)