Demolition of the ruined section of the Royal Albion Hotel continues while the response team remain faced with complex challenges.
Visiting the site to see first-hand the response to the council’s ongoing response to the fire, Brighton & Hove City Council leader, Councillor Bella Sankey, said: “The scale, seriousness and complexity of the huge operation was astonishing.
“The ruined section of the hotel is dangerously unstable and the team are having to demolish a structure which is already in a state of collapse.
“It’s vital that people keep away from the area while the area is made safe and secure and that is also why some residents are unfortunately unable to return to their homes while the work continues.
“However, I was really impressed by the professionalism and skill shown by the team on the ground in managing the demolition.
“They have a plan in place to make sure they remove the sections that are the most vulnerable and unsafe while doing everything they can to salvage and scan heritage features.
“With a structure in such a perilous, ruined state there’s clearly many variables outside of our control, but I want to recognise their careful progress.
“I’m also really sorry for the disruption that continues to be caused to the residents that were displaced from their homes and for people travelling across the city.
“When the fire service evacuated local residents for the immediate area no-one could have known the impact of the devastation now unfolding and complexity of reluctantly demolishing parts of this heritage building.”
The properties directly behind the Royal Albion Hotel will remain inaccessible while this essential work takes place.
Any residents who are displaced by the fire can call the council on 01273 292000 for advice or information.
Anyone who was a guest at the Royal Albion Hotel who need to collect their belongings should call Britannia Hotels on 0333 323 1574 or email royalalbionproperty@britanniahotels.com.