Plans approved to remove flammable cladding from Sheffield’s tallest skyscraper
Sheffield's council has approved a major renovation of City Lofts, the city's most prominent residential tower, to address fire safety concerns in the building's cladding. Fifteen years after its 2010 completion, fire risk assessments revealed that the panels contain combustible insulation bonded to aluminium with limited fire-break protection, prompting architects to design a safer exterior using non-flammable materials.
The council granted conditional planning permission, requiring confirmation of the new facade's design and colour to maintain visual harmony with nearby heritage buildings. Work will proceed whilst residents occupy the 89-metre, 32-storey tower, with funding sourced through the government's Building Safety Fund, representing a significant public investment in residential safety standards.
- Sheffield Council approved plans to replace flammable cladding on City Lofts, the city's tallest residential tower completed in 2010
- Fire risk assessments identified combustible insulation with poor fire breaks; new non-flammable panels will be installed whilst residents remain occupying the 32-storey building
- Work will be funded through the government's Building Safety Fund; approval granted conditionally to ensure the replacement matches the building's appearance and respects nearby heritage structures