Edinburgh residents to be evacuated due to safety concerns at Bond Building

Residents of an Edinburgh block of flats have been urged to leave their homes immediately because of the risk of fire in the building.

Persimmon Homes contacted residents of the Bond Building in Bonnington yesterday to advise them that they would be temporarily relocated.

Last year, residents revealed their anger at the prospect of 80-weeks of remediation work on the building – with some claiming that they had signed leases on properties without being advised of the prospect of the work.

Now, in an email to residents, Persimmon Homes has said it received “specialist advice” regarding the building after fire safety inspections and detailed investigations.

In a message to residents, Persimmon Homes said: “Based on this advice, and as a precautionary measure in the interests of resident safety, Persimmon Homes is strongly recommending that all residents temporarily relocate from the Bond Building.

“We appreciate that this news will be upsetting and disruptive, and we sincerely apologise for the impact it will have. However, based on the expert advice received, we believe this is the safest and most responsible course of action while longer-term remediation works are developed and carried out.”

An image from social media site X, posted by Graham Simpson of a fire in Breadalbane Street, Edinburgh. Picture: Graham Simpson/PA/PA Wire

Persimmon has confirmed that it is not at a stage where it can reveal the length of time that residents have been asked to move out for.

Persimmon said: “The works programme is still being developed, and the full scope of works has not yet been finalised.

“As a result, confirmed timeframes are not currently available. Further information will be shared with residents as soon as it becomes available.”

According to guidance distributed by Persimmon Homes, and seen by the Edinburgh Evening News, landlords who lose tenants will not see their rent covered by the developer but, should a tenant then sign a tenancy agreement, ICAB will rehome them.

The guidance reads: “If your tenant leaves, you may source a new tenant for your flat at The Bond Building.

“Once all required documentation and a signed tenancy agreement are in place, Persimmon will arrange for the new tenant to be placed in temporary accommodation through ICAB.”

It is understood that residents will be asked to leave their flats for between one and two years. On Tuesday, residents were invited to a series of consultations on the process for relocation. One resident of the Bond Building told the Edinburgh Evening News that a further meeting would be held with those affected in the coming week where plans to relocate would be solidified.

In March 2024, more than 100 residents were evacuated from their properties when a fire broke at the block of flats in Bonnington. More than 70 firefighters were called on to tackle the blaze – with two firefighters treated for minor injuries.

That fire sparked fears that there could be a repeat of the deadly Grenfell fire of 2017 – forcing remedial cladding work to be undertaken by developers.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes and the Bond Building Owners Committee, said: “Following recent detailed investigations of the building, experts have advised that residents should relocate from their apartments as a precautionary measure.

“Persimmon Homes is offering immediate temporary accommodation to all affected residents. Persimmon Homes apologises for the obvious inconvenience and concern this will cause to all residents and will continue to provide on-going support until the situation is resolved.”