Centre revamp unaffected by Raac discovery

The discovery of Raac at a shopping centre in Grimsby will not affect the progress of its £50m transformation, a council said.

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Raac) has been found in non-public areas of Freshney Place shopping centre, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) said.

The material was responsible for the partial closures of more than 100 schools across the country in 2023.

A council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the presence of Raac in the building will not impact the leisure scheme or the ability to use the space as intended, nor impact the timeframes associated with the leisure scheme."

NELC bought the building in 2022 and "took advice from industry-leading consultants on the acquisition process".

Raac is a cheaper alternative to concrete. It is quicker to produce and easier to install, but is less durable and has a lifespan of about 30 years.

The material is prone to structural failure when it is exposed to moisture, increasing a building's chance of collapse.

After concerns about the lifespan of Raac came to light, the council began investigations and the material was found in some non-public areas of the shopping centre.

The authority said it had taken "immediate precautionary steps" to address the issue and was working with the businesses affected.

"These are entirely precautionary steps to ensure the longevity and integrity of the building and the safety of our visitors, tenants and staff," the spokesperson said.

The shopping centre was bought by the council for £15.5m and is due to undergo a £50m revamp next month.

The council said the remedial costs to address the Raac had been included in existing spending plans.

The Freshney Place renovation includes a new food hall, market and a five-screen cinema.

The council spokesperson said: "As part of the centre's long-term maintenance plan, we will be addressing the remedial works needed to deal with the issue."

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