Residents in Plymouth have been forced to flee their homes amid fears that their 18-year-old block of flats could collapse. Dozens of people were told to vacate the Evolution Cove building when problems first emerged, as the structure was deemed 'unsafe' less than 20 years after it was erected.
Structural Concerns Emerge
Plymouth City Council in Devon established an exclusion zone around Evolution Cove due to concerns about the building's structural integrity. The issues relate to cracks within the concrete frame in the car park, which pose a risk of building collapse until structural props are installed to support the load.
Locals have expressed amazement that such problems could affect a building completed in 2008. One resident commented: 'Only 18 years old, when there are buildings still standing from 100 years plus. Maybe it's because they ain't built like they were many years ago.' Another added: 'Around Plymouth and the UK there are loads of rubbish flats, thrown up cheaply 10-20 years ago, they looked good for about 5 years and now look terrible, rotting wood, cracks in concrete, moss, blotchy paint.'
Evacuation and Timeline
Structural cracking was first discovered in the car park in December last year, but at that time evacuation was not deemed necessary. However, on the evening of March 20, new information emerged, and residents were told to leave immediately as the building was 'unstable' and at risk of collapse. On April 17, the council issued a further update, establishing an exclusion zone and legally banning anyone from entering.
Ryan and Tanya Marsland, who run the Fig Tree restaurant on nearby Admiralty Street, said the road closures are 'devastating' for their business. They reported losing around £3,000 on the Saturday after the closures, with a 50% drop in footfall. 'It happened on Friday night, the road closures and on Saturday, when we normally have 45 people, we got 16 people, so people are not coming down here,' Ryan said. 'I am petrified – it's very daunting. At the moment, we are doing a lot on social media, which is driving customers a little bit.'
The council says residents are expected to return home and road closures lifted by the end of May. But Ryan expressed doubt: 'I think it can cause businesses to shut down permanently. We know businesses that have lost thousands already – people don't have the cash reserves we used to have. It's just devastating.'
Yannick Loué, 44, owner of the wine bar Le Vignoble just outside the exclusion zone, said the situation is affecting his business but stressed they remain open. 'We have seen a big drop since Saturday morning, but people can still come to us. We are an independent business that is struggling right now, and it will struggle if this carries on.'
Council and Owner Response
Plymouth City Council says it has contacted residents who left their homes to provide support and reassurance, and that everyone affected has been provided with temporary accommodation for as long as needed. Roads around Evolution Cove remain closed, with diversions in and out of Royal William Yard.
A spokesman for Grey GR, the owner of Evolution Cove, stated: 'Resident wellbeing is a key priority for Grey GR. Should the remediation time take longer than expected, the alternative accommodation that Grey GR has already provided will be extended. The safety of residents is of utmost importance to us. Monitoring equipment has been installed in the building. Data so far show building movement has been within tolerance levels. A ground survey has been completed, and the findings are being used to develop back-propping designs. Once these designs are finalised, the propping works will commence.'
