Who are the parties involved?
| The building owner | Victoria Square Woking Limited (VSWL) | Responsible for the building |
| The builder | Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) | Contractually obliged to rectify defects |
| Building Control Authority | Woking Borough Council (WBC) | Safety of the public |
| Local Highways Authority | Surrey County Council (SCC) | Safety of highway users |
Why has this happened again so soon after the last closure?
Following Storm Darragh, additional fixings were applied to panels in an identified high load wind zone (where the vortex created by the winds exerts the greatest force).
The panel which came loose following Storm Eowyn and Herminia, was not in that zone.
The high load wind zone has now been expanded and SRM is prioritising the checking and securing of these panels.
Who signed off the previous works and said it was safe to reopen the road?
On 15 January 2025, SRM deemed it safe to reopen Victoria Way because it had applied additional fixings to all the panels considered at risk within the designated high load wind zone.
Who decides to close and reopen the road?
If winds exceed or are forecast to exceed 72mph, SRM will implement its Wind Event Action Plan. This outlines the process for closing and reopening the road.
If there is an immediate risk to public safety, the emergency services will close the road.
What are you doing to fix the problem and when will the road reopen?
The road will reopen once SRM has applied additional temporary fixings to all deep panels – starting with the ones in the expanded high load wind zone.
SRM is making provisions to work weekends and exploring options to work throughout the night safely.
Is the work being done now a permanent fix?
No, the works currently being undertaken are not the permanent fix.
Why can’t the cladding just be removed and replaced with something more suitable, paid for by SRM?
To determine the permanent solution, the current issues need to be understood. The contracts between VSWL and SRM will need to be used to agree the remedies and hold SRM to its obligations contractually.
Who is going to compensate residents and businesses for the disruption?
Any claim for compensation would need to be considered by VSWL on a case-by-case basis.
Can the phasing of the traffic lights at Forge End/Victoria Way be changed?
SCC has adjusted the phasing of the lights to relieve pressure on the network.
Can some kind of financial penalty be imposed on SRM?
The contract between VSWL and SRM contains the provisions for contract performance and the remedies – this is between VSWL and SRM.
Why is the council not taking legal action?
It is for VSWL to consider its legal position with SRM and it has external counsel on board.
Why is there no activity on site? I’ve driven past and there is no one working on fixing the problem.
Works can only take place if it is safe to do so. Windy conditions prevent the use of the Building Maintenance Unit and other equipment needed to access the elevations safely.
Can I use the spiral exit at the red car park?
No.
Can the road be protected in any way to it can reopen to vehicles and pedestrians?
SRM have been instructed to investigate ways to protect the highway to enable its reopening, however the design and permissions required could take longer than the work needed to reopen the road.
Page updated: 14 February 2025