16-06-2017, 18:23
Over here in the US, the cost to install a fire sprinkler system in an existing high rise building would be expected to cost about $4/sqft (3 pounds), not sure how big this building was but if it is 100ft x 100ft square (??) then the cost would be just over 500,000 pounds, on that basis I think that 200,00 pounds figure is lower than what it would actually cost unless these is some significant differences between sprinkler cost over here and in the UK.
Even if the quoted figure is correct, the outlay to do all the potential problem towers would be 800m pounds, not a small chunk of change and a figure that would scare the crap out of most councils or private owners. Insurance companies would likely "pay" some of the cost with good reductions in premiums for buildings with sprinkler systems but unless the government legislates to make this mandatory it will still be something that building owners shy away from doing.
Even if the quoted figure is correct, the outlay to do all the potential problem towers would be 800m pounds, not a small chunk of change and a figure that would scare the crap out of most councils or private owners. Insurance companies would likely "pay" some of the cost with good reductions in premiums for buildings with sprinkler systems but unless the government legislates to make this mandatory it will still be something that building owners shy away from doing.