Incident at The Combe in Munster Square NW1
Friday 22 November 2024 evening update: Council Leader confirms residents can return to their homes
Almost all the residents from The Combe will be able to return to their homes this evening following an independent assessment from structural surveyors this afternoon. This followed an earlier inspection by the Wates dangerous structures team who operate across London.
This assessment found that the block is structurally sound and the crack discovered yesterday is on an internal, non-load bearing wall, which does not affect the integrity of the building. The London Fire Brigade attended a walkabout where it was agreed it is safe for residents to return to their homes this evening, aside from three households.
The three households that will not be able to return to their homes tonight, to allow for additional monitoring early next week, are the flat where the crack was found and the flats immediately above and below this flat. These residents have been contacted directly by the council and have been offered accommodation and support.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: “The most important thing is almost all residents will be able to return to their homes tonight. The Wates report shows the building is safe and the London Fire Brigade agree with our assessment.
“We had to take action to ensure residents were safe while we fully investigated this matter and I’m grateful for the patience and cooperation residents have shown over the last 24 hours. We have a small amount of repair work to do within the block now, which we will now concentrate on to ensure the three remaining households can come home. These residents have our full support tonight.”
Residents and anyone affected by this incident should call 020 7974 8865 for assistance.
Friday 22 November 2024 update: Evacuation of The Combe block in Munster Square
Current situation
Yesterday evening, we were alerted to a potential structural issue at Combe Tower on Munster Square, Regent’s Park NW1. A resident contacted the fire service after hearing a loud noise. A crack was identified in a dwelling and a structural engineer was called to assess the damage. The flat affected was on floor 9 of the 19 floor block.
Following the assessment, initially the damage was considered significant and a decision made to evacuate 18 flats. Subsequently, at 10.30pm, Camden Council together with the London Fire Brigade, decided to evacuate the whole block as wider checks would not be possible until engineers could attend today.
All residents in the block were evacuated during the night. 70 households - approximately 150 residents - have been evacuated.
Specialist engineers attended The Combe from 8am today. Their assessments indicate the damage appears to be isolated to the flat where the crack was reported and that it will be possible to start repairs this afternoon.
Support for residents
Residents and anyone affected by this incident should call 020 7974 8865 for assistance.
Camden Council has supported 50 residents overnight in a temporary rest centre in Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, with assistance from the British Red Cross. Many residents were able to make their own alternate arrangements for accommodation and are staying with family or friends.
Camden Council will provide ongoing support and housing needs for residents.
Leader statement
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, was at Combe Tower last night. He said: “The safety of our residents always comes first. We worked closely with the London Fire Brigade last night to assess this issue and evacuate The Combe for residents’ safety. Our priority since then has been to ensure all residents are supported and cared for.
“I appreciate nobody wants to leave their homes in these circumstances and all residents affected will be keen to know when it will be safe to return. We are working as quickly as we can, with our emergency partners and structural engineers, to understand when this might be and to ensure there are alternative arrangements in place for residents in the meantime. I thank residents for their patience so far and to the emergency services who worked last night to ensure everyone was evacuated safely.”
Additional information
Security and fencing is now in place round The Combe and the emergency services have left the site.
Further updates will be posted here - Incident at The Combe in Munster Square NW1
Friday 22 November morning update
Residents affected by this incident can call our information hotline for assistance 020 7974 8865
Updated at 23.59 Thursday 21 November
We were alerted earlier today to a structural issue at The Combe block in Munster Square, NW1 where part of a wall developed a crack on the ninth floor of the residential block. As a result the London Fire Brigade took the decision to evacuate.
All residents who do not have alternative accommodation options have been advised to move to a local rest centre. This issue affects 70 flats and approximately 150 people.
Earlier this evening a resident contacted the fire service after hearing a loud noise and a structural engineer was called to assess the damage before the decision to evacuate was made.
Our officers are on site with emergency services and we are assessing the building.
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.