Hackney Central residents evacuated from homes following sudden structural threat

By Hackney Citizen | Saturday 23 November 2013 at 14:24

Eight residents have been evacuated from their Hackney Central homes in a terrace which also includes the Cirrik and Raw Duck restaurants. Part of Amhurst Road has been closed to allow for the demolition of a terrace which has become structurally unsound.

Access to Hackney Central Overground station has also been restricted to pedestrians via the Northern entrance.

A Hackney Council spokesperson said: “Hackney Council has arranged for the urgent controlled demolition of 1-5 Amhurst Road following reports that the building has become structurally unsound and posed an immediate risk to public safety.

“The council was informed of damage to the building following calls from members of the public to London Fire Brigade.

“Residents of the terrace have been evacuated and Amhurst Road remains partially closed while works to safely demolish the building continue. An investigation into the cause is underway.”

Amhurst Road will be closed until further notice between Mare Street and Pembury Junction. The Overground service will continue to operate at Hackney Central. Cllr Vincent Stops, chair of the council’s planning committee is providing updates via twitter.

Tom Gibbon, Managing Director of GMS Estates Ltd, which carried out a major refurbishment of the property just over one year ago and had spent in excess of £1m in restoring the property to its original condition, said: “GMS Estates Limited is sad to have to announce that, following building works on a neighbouring site at 7-19 Amhurst Road London E8, there has been a major structural failure to the party wall between its property and the neighbouring construction site.

“Whilst investigations are being carried out as to ascertain the exact cause of the failure, it is becoming apparent  that a major part of the Company’s building may have to be demolished by the Hackney Borough Engineer. GMS Estates is working with the Hackney Borough Engineer, who has issued a Dangerous Structures Notice and has control of the site, in trying to salvage as much of the property as possible.

“Sadly it will be many months before the building will be able to be fully reinstated. GMS Estates is assisting its tenants in finding new accommodation.“

 

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