Around 40 homes have been evacuated from a luxury residential block overlooking the marina in Southampton after “serious fire safety concerns” were uncovered
As reported by BBC News, on 22 February 2025, residents at the nine-storey Sundowner Court in Ocean Village were issued letters by the building’s new management company, HMS Property Management Services, informing them of “substantial” risk at the premises and the need for “critical fire safety work”. It followed a “review by fire engineers and subsequent discussions with the local fire service”. An “invasive survey” by the fire engineers revealed the steel structure of the building was “not fireproof”.
The management company added that in the event of a fire breaking out, it had the “potential to spread and develop beyond the room of fire origin, through compartmentation failures and risk of fire spread through the external wall”.
In the letter to residents, HMS said: "At present we have no further details but will write again as soon as we know more. However, you can expect to be unable to live and sleep at Sundowner Court until further notice.
"Future accommodation will be based on serviced apartments and similar. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to all residents."
According to the Daily Echo, HMS was not expected to take over the management of Sundowner Court until 1 April 2025, but its appointment was accelerated due to the fire safety issues identified. A spokesperson for HMS said:
“Following a review of the Sundowner Court building by fire engineers and subsequent discussions with the local fire service about the critical fire safety work needed, the decision was taken that the building must be immediately decanted, and residents should be relocated while work is carried out.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service (HIFRS) were informed of the serious concerns on Friday 21 February, with the service’s high-rise residential building fire safety manager, Matthew Rowe, explaining: “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.”
Constructed in 2004 by Wilson Bowden, the nine-storey building was later acquired by Barratt Redrow. It is understood that the housebuilder is in the process of funding the building’s remediation work, with a spokesperson for Barratt Redrow telling Construction News: “Residents’ safety is our absolute priority, and we support the decision made by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service, and the managing agent and right-to-manage directors as responsible persons for Sundowner Court.
“Residents are being provided with accommodation and support, at no cost to themselves, and will be kept regularly informed of progress as we work with all parties to ensure the building is remediated as quickly as possible.”
A spokesperson for Southampton and Eastleigh Building Control added: "We are pleased that a thorough survey has been conducted, which will bring to bear all the learnings from the new building safety regime.
“Residents will be kept safe, and that is the most important thing. Any remedial work and fire safety improvements undertaken must be authorised by the relevant responsible person for the building/dutyholder and should be closely checked by the relevant building control body to ensure they meet today’s rigorous standards.”