WORK to repair a block of flats in Basingstoke destroyed by a major fire is due to start more than a year after 24 families were displaced.

A year ago today, on May 27, 2023, residents in Oakridge watched in horror as the fire spread and families were forced to flee their homes.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the block of flats which started at around 3pm. Afterwards, the community rallied to support those affected.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) determined that the fire started on an external balcony and was caused by an electrical fault either with a cable or electric fencing. A report found that the fire spread to the balcony of a flat on the first floor and then to the roof soffit above the balcony, before ripping through sideways to other apartments in the block.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Oakridge Road fire

HWRS issued enforcement notices to Vivid, which owns the flats, to carry out work to make similar blocks on the Oakridge estate safe.

However, residents have since been calling for answers as to how the fire spread so quickly, and work to repair the damaged block is yet to begin – the burnt out building acting as a constant visual reminder to those affected.

Now, Vivid has said work to repair the block is expected to start by August this year and will take around 18 months to complete.

A statement from the housing association said: “Nearly a year on since the fire at Oakridge Road, we know that for many of our customers it is still something they are living through and affected by.”

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It said an agreement was reached with the insurers and local authority building control about the building’s repair and refurbishment, and those customers with homes in the impacted building have been informed. A scope of works has been prepared and Vivid is now in the tender process to appoint a contractor to carry out the repair.

“Until the contractor is appointed, we won’t have a detailed plan or timeline to share,” Vivid said, adding: “We can however provide a very broad estimate for the time it will take to complete the works as there are so many dependencies in an extensive repair like this. We’re aiming for a contractor to start on site by August this year and for the work to take approximately 18 months to complete. Until we have a contractor and their detailed plan this could change.”

The statement continued: “We'd like to acknowledge the way in which everyone in the impacted building, those who are currently in alternative accommodation and the wider community continue to pull together. It really is testament to the close-knit spirit and support people have for each other in Oakridge.

“We know those customers with homes in the affected building will have many questions and we continue to make sure we can address these and support them. For our customers still impacted we are and will continue to help and support them as the work progresses.”

Alex Nagle, customer service director at Vivid, said: “We know that there are constant reminders a year on and that the work required to get the building completed will take time. Our customers' needs remain our priority and we will continue to work closely with them until work is complete.”