New Lancaster accommodation opening delayed after fire in February

As a result of a fire last February, new student accommodation in Lancaster City Centre had its opening delayed, preventing students from moving in for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

The SailWorks, a £31 million development on Parliament Street, is set to house up to 388 students of Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria.

The fire broke out in the roof of the development last year and, although there was no real damage caused, the blaze elicited a huge emergency response at the time and is now suffering the consequences.

It was initially believed that the development would still open on time, but students were informed in September that they would not be able to move into their new accommodation until November.

A spokesperson for Prestige Student Living, who runs the development, has said:

“When the landlord and developer advised us of the delay in September, we immediately contacted all students due to check in, offering them several options and advising on timescales for the delay.

“Students have been offered to delay their tenancy until the building is ready in early November, take alternative student accommodation close by in Lancaster, which we would organise on their behalf, or to end their tenancies with no penalty fees.

“All residents are entitled to compensation because of these delays, and any additional fees or charges associated with relocating will be paid for by the developer.”

Featured image by Joshua Brandwood, via BBC News

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