Buildings managed as high-rise
Buildings are managed as high-rise if they are six or more storeys high.
Morris Walk Estate
The seven ten-storey towers at the Morris Walk Estate are of a 'Large Panel System' design. We strengthened all seven towers shortly after the Ronan Point tragedy in 1968, and none of the towers have a gas supply.
The demolition of the Morris Walk Estate is due to start in 2020.
Upgrades to high-rise buildings
We upgraded all our high-rise buildings in recent years, as part of a programme of enhancements put in place by the London Fire Brigade. These included:
- new front entrance doors to dwellings that close automatically and provide 60 minutes fire and smoke protection
- new or upgraded fire doors to all common/communal areas and escape routes
- fire stopping between flats and common areas to limit the spread of smoke and fire
- the installation of enhanced emergency lighting
- redecoration of internal common/communal areas with finishes that meet 'Class O' of the building regulations in England and Wales to minimise the spread of fire
- the installation of Automatic Opening Ventilation to allow smoke to vent from internal communal areas
- the renewal of fire signage and directional signage
- the development of an enhanced recording system for the maintenance records for dry risers and Automatic Opening Ventilations.
Not all enhancements are recommended for each high-rise building, and we prioritise and carry out actions as appropriate.
Fire safety
The fire safety rules and building regulations that apply to us also apply to other local authorities in England and Wales. These include the providers of other residential programmes and developers.
There are fire action notices in the common/communal areas of every high-rise building which tell residents what to do in the event of a fire.
We advise residents to familiarise themselves with the emergency evacuation procedures and escape routes that apply to their own building.
The latest advice and guidance from the London Fire Brigade is unchanged and continues to be 'Stay Put' unless they tell you to evacuate.
The 'Stay Put' policy provides protection for all residents including those with disabilities or limited mobility.
Our high-rise buildings are purpose constructed with fire compartmentalisation built in to the structure of the buildings. This controls the spread of fire and smoke, which should ensure that any fire remains in the particular dwelling in which it started.
We are also investigating extra measures to further enhance our fire safety procedures.
Further information
If you have any immediate concerns, call the Central Tenancy team during office hours.
You can also find further fire safety information on the London Fire Brigade's website or by emailing fire-safety@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.