The University has received the first full draft report on the independent inspection of all building cladding material across the University estate.
Although the University’s initial desktop review of cladding at Merchiston did not identify any particular concerns, this new inspection report identifies that the music extension is clad with an aluminium composite material (ACM) called Alucobond.
Whilst it is a different ACM panel to that found on Grenfell Tower and our Bainfield residential accommodation, we will be undertaking further action to replace these panels over the coming weeks, with the aim of completing the works by the end of October.
The cladding of the music extension is believed to be less than one per cent of the overall external wall area of the Merchiston campus.
The presence of ACM panels at this extension to the Merchiston campus does not appear to contravene any current Building Regulations or present any increased fire risk, but the University is committed to providing an environment for staff and students that is as safe as possible.
Meanwhile, a contractor has begun work to replace the cladding at Bainfield and this is expected to be completed by mid August.