Fire-hit retirement flats rebuild may start in 2026

Beechmere retirement complex was destroyed by a fire in 2019

Work to replace a retirement complex which was gutted in a blaze more than five years ago could begin next year, a council report says.

The Beechmere complex in Crewe, Cheshire, was destroyed in August 2019 when fire tore through the timber-framed building.

The site, which had 132 apartments, was one of five extra care housing schemes commissioned through a PFI (private finance initiative) arrangement in 2007.

In 2023, charges were brought against six companies, all of which denied offences of failing to comply with the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005. The firms are due to face trial in May.

About 150 elderly and disabled residents were evacuated but lost their homes when the fire broke out. No-one was injured in the blaze.

The report to Cheshire East Council's finance sub-committee has recommended councillors allow officers to continue and conclude renegotiation of the PFI contract.

If an agreement is reached between the various parties, building work on the replacement Beechmere complex could start in the spring or summer next year, with a possible opening date of late 2027 or early 2028, the report said.

About 150 people lost their homes in the fire

Housing provider Avantage, which delivered the extra care housing schemes including Beechmere, could get planning permission for the new building this summer, the document states.

The sub-committee is set to discuss the report's recommendation during a meeting on Monday.

The trial of the six accused firms has been scheduled to begin at Chester Crown Court on 5 May and is set to last 10 weeks.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.