New Lancaster accommodation opening delayed after fire in February

As a result of a fire last February, new student accommodation in Lancaster City Centre has had its opening delayed.

The Sail Works is set to house up to 388 students at Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria. However, the delays have prevented those allocated the accommodation from moving in at the start of the 25/26 academic year.

The fire broke out in the roof of the £31 million development on Parliament Street, and although there were no injuries or danger to life, a huge emergency response was called in to get the blaze under control.

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, the Lancaster Guardian reports.

A spokesperson for Prestige Student Living, who runs the development, 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.”

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