Start date for Bridgewater Place wind safety scheme announced
CONSTRUCTION work to tackle serious wind problems around Yorkshire’s tallest building is set to start in August.
Plans were submitted to Leeds City Council by Bridgewater Place’s owners CPPI in November in a bid to reduce the impact of high winds on pedestrians and traffic in the area.
An intricate system of screens and canopies on the building itself and in the surrounding area are planned, along with a series of perforated “baffles”- described as being similar in design to aircraft wings- at least six metres above the road.
CPPI said it had not yet appointed a contractor for the job but confirmed it is currently undergoing “a complex and lengthy tendering process to find a suitable contractor.”
“In the coming months we will be providing more information and a detailed construction timetable,” the company said.
Strong winds close to the 32-storey building led to a lorry being blown over in 2011, killing pedestrian Dr Edward Slaney.
A coroner called for the road by the building to be closed when there are strong winds.
At Leeds Coroners’ Court, Melanie Williamson recorded a narrative verdict at the inquest of Dr Slaney, who died of chest injuries.
The inquest heard that wind speeds of between 67mph and 79mph were recorded at the building that day.
