Across the Thames, New Providence Wharf stands tall. It’s a striking residential development in Blackwall. It’s a modern marvel designed by the renowned architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. New Providence Wharf is more than just buildings. It’s a mix of apartments, the Ontario Tower, Charrington Tower (originally known as Providence Tower), the Michigan Building, and Columbia West. Imagine living in a crescent-shaped building overlooking Fairmont Avenue. This is the reality for the residents of New Providence Block A-E at New Providence Wharf. The entire development is managed by Ballymore. The early phases were completed in 2005. The construction adhered to the building codes of the time. However, the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire brought scrutiny. The cladding on New Providence Block A-E was the same type as Grenfell. This caused concern and financial strain for the residents. They faced bills exceeding £4,000 each to replace the cladding. Ballymore initially resisted covering the costs. Later, they offered a partial contribution but with a tight deadline and threats of legal action if residents pursued other avenues. Tragically, in May 2021, a fire broke out in New Providence Block A-E. The fire spread across three floors. It resulted in hospitalizations and evacuations. While Ballymore claimed the cladding wasn’t a factor, a London Fire Brigade report highlighted significant safety failures. A faulty ventilation system turned the building into a chimney, exacerbating the spread of smoke. In a separate incident in August 2024, a fire damaged an apartment in Charrington Tower. New Providence Wharf’s story is one of architectural ambition, but also of challenges and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of building safety and the importance of resident advocacy.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to