Ipswich tower block repair costs could reach £30m

Construction on the tower block on the waterfront started in 2007

Costs to repair structural and fire safety issues on a tower block in Ipswich could reach £30m, administrators said.

The freeholder of The Mill development went into administration in 2010.

Administrators, RSM UK, told residents that funds were expected to run out in the summer.

Unless a buyer is found, the development could enter liquidation, leaving residents with the running costs.

The tower block was deemed unsafe after gale force winds tore cladding away.

Fire hazards identified following the Grenfell Tower disaster have also yet to be rectified, with 249 flats affected.

RSM UK said in a letter, seen by the BBC, that there was no "exact figure on the total cost of rectification work but we are led to believe it could be in the region of £30m".

The administrator said they now expected funds to run out at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Last year that was thought to be the first part of the year.

If residents are not able to afford to fund the current fire safety measures, thought to be around £500,000 a year, the fire service may evacuate the building.

Amie Holdsworth says she wants transparency on the situation

Amie Holdsworth bought her flat in the development in 2018. She said she had no idea of the issues when moving in and she said they "still don't know the severity of how bad things in the building are".

The 33-year-old tried to remortgage in 2020, but was told her flat was "worthless".

People in the building are worried about living there but many have no choice, she said. "We are the ones living in these buildings, with potential fire risks," she added.

RSM UK said the safety of all residents was its priority.

"We are in ongoing discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Homes England to help us access further funds, which we hope will significantly improve the prospects of being able to complete a sale of the development in due course," a spokesperson said.

The MP for Ipswich, Tom Hunt, said he had been meeting with residents, adding that senior figures in government were following the case.

Mr Hunt said he was "hopeful" the building could be sold to a developer.

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: "We have every sympathy for the residents of The Mill and others affected, and our priority is to find a way to keep people in their homes.

"We are working to find a long-term solution with the Administrators, Ipswich Borough Council and Homes England. This may take some time as it will need to address both the cladding and structural issues identified."