Newly built student block under investigation by Building Safety Regulator

Integritas took on the site in late 2023 after it had been left half-built for six years.

The firm explained: “We can confirm that the launch of Deakin’s Yard has been temporarily delayed, pending the receipt of a final certificate.

“We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and the Building Inspectorate to address the matter and ensure all requirements are met.

“Our priority is to resolve this as quickly as possible and to ensure the building meets the highest standards of safety and compliance before launching.”

A BSR spokesperson said: “We were granted an injunction to stop the unlawful occupation of the building. The welfare of those due to occupy the building is our primary priority. We’re working closely with relevant organisations.”

A spokesperson for Keele University said: “We have been advised that a privately owned accommodation development in Newcastle-under-Lyme will not be able to open as planned.

"We are supporting students affected by this and have a range of student accommodation available on our campus.”

The local MP, alongside a number of local councillors, have also expressed concern.

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “This news will come as a huge shock to the students who were expecting to move into Deakin’s Yard over the coming weeks – many of whom now face uncertainty over where they will live in the long term.

“It is utterly unacceptable that – in 2025 – a brand new building can get to the point of opening with such serious safety concerns that the BSR has had to step in at the 11th hour to protect lives. 

“We must have answers from the developers, the contractors, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council as the planning authority, and all those involved in approving and signing off this project.

“Serious questions need answering about how this project was granted planning permission, the building control processes in place, and why the project was allowed to progress when safety concerns had already been raised. My constituents – and the students affected – deserve to know who is responsible and how this will be put right.”

Gill Heesom, cabinet member for community safety and well-being at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: “We are aware of the situation at Deakin’s Yard and we are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive, local universities and other relevant organisations and agencies to support anyone who may be affected by this.”