Serious fire at Silvertown tunnel worksite: Severe repercussions?

A fire broke out at the Silvertown tunnel worksite in Newham last night.

According to the London Fire Brigade, six fire engines and 40 firefighters attended the scene.

Damage to a conveyer belt could cause serious delays with knock on effects to budgets and affordable homes in Greenwich.

Why you may ask? Well, Greenwich Council signed an agreement that allows 525 fewer affordable homes if the tunnel is delayed.

The number of affordable homes at Knight Dragon sites is set up so that a “rolling Minimum of 28% is maintained as the site is developed with a fallback position drops to 25% in the event of delays to the Silvertown Tunnel.”

Costs

Costs could also increase due to the fire with construction inflation currently at extremely high levels around 30 per cent.

Consortium Riverlinx are building to tunnel as part of a PFI-type deal recouped via tolls, though TfL are funding almost £200 million themselves.

LFB state: “Access to the fire was challenging, with firefighters working to reach a sub-surface conveyor belt.

“Crews worked incredibly hard to bring the fire under control.”

The Brigade was called at 2223 and the fire was under control by 0008. Fire crews from Plaistow, Poplar, Millwall, Stratford and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”

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