Tests being done on the cladding at Redrock site
CLADDING being used on one of Stockport’s major multi-million pound developments has been sent for tests to check its fire safety.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster in June cladding on the outside of Redrock, in the town centre, is being investigated.
The council says the view of the fire service is that the system at Redrock, which is a £45m development, is different to that at the London tower block and does not present a risk.
But a spokesman said further details will be given once investigations are complete and before the leisure complex opens.
He said: “As the specification for the construction was agreed long before the tragedy in London occurred, we do of course need to ensure that we can retain confidence in its safety.
“Two types of cladding system have been used on the Red Rock building and ways of further demonstrating their fire safety are being investigated.
“This may not just involve fire testing in isolation but anything and everything else that ensures the public can have confidence in the building and its fire safety.”
The council’s Redrock development, off Bridgefield Street, will open by the end of the year.
It will contain a multiscreen cinema, multi-storey car park with more than 1,000 spaces, restaurants and public open space.
Other safety matters at the development, including fire service access, emergency lighting and fire exits, have already been looked at and found to be up to scratch.
The spokesman added: “We will issue a further statement once upcoming investigations are complete and prior to the building opening to provide the public with the confidence to which they are quite rightly entitled.
“This will contain full details of the testing and investigations carried out.
“Hopefully this will provide reassurance regarding the measures being taken to ensure fire safety for this building.”
After the Grenfell Tower disaster any Stockport tower blocks with cladding had it sent off for safety tests.
It is not thought any is dangerous but the results are being awaited. And fire safety reviews of all tower blocks are nearing completion with no issues discovered so far.