Build skyscrapers in Leeds but do plan for what can go wrong - YEP letters

FROM: Martin Schweiger, Leeds

Richard Beecham’s article in Monday’s YEP talked about likeable and elegant skyscrapers.

Some of Leeds city centre's older building could be demolished to make way for new skyscrapers.placeholder image
Some of Leeds city centre's older building could be demolished to make way for new skyscrapers.

Whatever they look like there are some questions that need good answers before any building starts.

While we can assume that there will never be a problem we must assume that buildings can catch fire, suffer an explosion, become smoke logged or just lose electric power.

Evacuating a building must have sufficient space on the stairways to accommodate all those trying to leave without impeding fire and rescue services trying to gain access.

Outside the building is there space for all those coming out of the building and are the roads adequate for emergency services coming to their aid?

I do recall being told that fire engine ladders struggle to reach people above the 12th floor, so what provision is made for their occupants to escape?

Pandemics are rare, only once in a hundred years, but there is one happening right now and our preparation for it can be evidenced by the course of Covid around the world.

By all means build tall but plan for all eventualities, please.

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