University Accommodation to Remain Vacant for At Least a Year
The Gateway, a University of Lincoln accommodation building, continues to stand vacant nearly a year after students were abruptly asked to vacate. Approximately 500 students were residing in the building when they were informed in October of last year about identified fire safety concerns.
Fire Safety Issues
The eviction was triggered by an independent fire safety analysis of The Gateway, which unveiled a string of recommended enhancements, including improvements to fire stopping and stairwells to mitigate internal fire risks. The decision led to widespread disruption among students, predominantly first years, who were each compensated £500 for the inconvenience to their academic experience.
"Surveying work by the landlord has begun in the building, and we're hopeful we can once again open the Gateway as an option to students once work has completed."
Necessary Repair Work
Currently, only the offices at the building's lower level remain in operation, while the multiple apartments above are left unoccupied. The university has revealed that surveying work has commenced, however, it has confirmed that no students will be allowed back into the building until all necessary work has been completed. This means The Gateway will not be habitable until at least the next academic year.
The announcement comes as Lincoln saw an influx of students at the start of the 2023/24 academic year on Monday, September 18.