Mayflower Halls fire stopping improvement programme FAQ

During routine refurbishment over the summer, areas were identified where fire-stopping measures (which help prevent the spread of fire and smoke) can be improved at Mayflower Halls. Following further inspections, a full planned programme of works has been put in place to carry out further investigations and make improvements in line with the latest building safety requirements.

We will keep residents informed throughout the programme of works, which may involve some disruption. We recognise this may raise questions for current residents as well as those considering Mayflower for future accommodation. Below, you’ll find information addressing some of the queries you may have regarding the works

Living in Mayflower Halls

·       Is Mayflower Halls safe to live in right now?

Yes, the building has robust fire strategies in place so that swift action can be taken in the incidence of a fire. This includes:

o   Smoke and heat detection devices located in all occupied areas (rooms, kitchens, corridors and communal areas) with a fully linked alarm system that notifies locally and signals to our Central Control room and Mayflower reception.

o   Sprinkler system in place that will suppress a fire should there be an incident.

o   Staff on site 24/7 to react to any incident that may arise.

o   Fire doors located on all bedroom, flat and kitchen doors with Essential Information notices with details of fire assembly points.

o   Fire escapes are maintained and inspected throughout any works on site to ensure all students can escape the building should an alarm activate.

o   Weekly testing of all fire detection equipment alongside monthly inspections of fire blankets and fire extinguishers.

o   Fire drills during periods of occupation alongside fire safety education for residents in pre-arrival induction and materials available on the Halls Life site.

Fire safety is a vital part of life in halls, and safeguarding our residents remains our top priority

·       Why was the issue only identified recently?

The areas of concerns for the fire stopping were identified when we recently refurbished the communal spaces at Mayflower. This is the first time since building construction that we undertook intrusive maintenance works which enabled us to identify inconsistencies with fire stopping measures. Further surveys across the building identified further instances where construction materials were not in accordance with the current best practice. We will be making upgrades to fire stopping measures as part of the schedule works.

·       What is fire stopping and what does it do?

Fire stopping are elements of the building fabric which are designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke through a building. Fire stopping measures are installed at strategic positions through the building to form compartments. Having compartments, means that if there was a fire it would be contained to one section of the building and protects other compartments, including escape routes, to ensure safe evacuation of the building.

·       What exactly is wrong with the fire-stopping?

Small holes and gaps have been found in the walls at Mayflower Halls, specifically around service penetration (cables and pipes that run through the walls) to feed the services through the buildings.

·       Have the Fire Service or Building Safety Regulator been informed?

We have formally notified both parties and continue to be in regular contact with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. A proposed schedule of remedial work has been provided, and we will continue to liaise with them, following their guidance and advice.

·       What would happen if there were a fire before the works are completed?

We have robust procedures in place should a fire occur. If there was a fire in the building before the works were completed, all systems would work as designed to keep you safe. We have responsive heat and smoke detection systems in place, along with sprinkler systems to suppress a fire. If one of the detectors is activated the alarm will sound, remain calm and exit the building as soon as you can making your way to the designated fire evacuation point for the building (This information can be found on Essential Information notices on the back of all room doors and building entrances). The fire evacuation point for Mayflower Halls is Wyndham Court (what three words location: ///before.woods.area). Our fire wardens will quickly assess the area and take any actions that are needed. Residents will remain at the fire evacuation point until it is deemed safe to return to the building by the fire warden on duty.

Please note that in instances of a detector being activated lifts will stop at the closest floor, doors will open and the lift and will remain out of action until the activation investigation has been completed.

Full details on fire safety in halls, including how to prevent fires and false alarms, can be found on the Halls Life site.

About the Works

·       Why are the works happening in phases?

The works will be undertaken in phases to manage the impact to our residents whilst we undertake surveys of all aspects of fire stopping measures, allowing us to identify issues and make improvements where required.

·       What areas of the building will be affected first?

Phase 1, starting December 2025, will be carrying out works to vacant bedrooms, corridors, stairwells, staff and storage areas. Works include surveying and repair of any fire stopping improvements identified.

Phase 2, expected January – June 2026, a programme of surveys and repair works will be carried out in a selection of currently occupied flats.  

Phase 3, expected June 2026-August 2027, a programme of works which systematically be undertaken to survey and repair works through the remainder of the building and flats.

Will the work be noisy or disruptive?

There will be some noise and disruption during the works. We will do all we can to minimise this for you.

About Relocation

·       Will I need to move out of my room?

Some students (we expect this to be approximately six flats of students) will be asked to move into another room. If required to move you will be provided a new room, of the same category, within Mayflower halls, where you will remain for the rest of the year. We expect around 40 students will need to relocate. All affected students will receive at least four weeks’ notice and will be provided support with the move.

·       When would I need to move, and for how long?

We will be doing phased works from January to June 2026 where some students will be asked to move. We will notify students required to move with at least 4 weeks' notice with move dates expected to be carried out between 28 January 2026 and 15 April 2026. Once moved into the new room, there should be no need to move again, and you will stay there for the remainder of the academic year.  

·       Where will I move to and will I have to move more than once?

You will be moved into another room at Mayflower halls where we will keep all flat mates together. It will be very unlikely that we will ask you to move more than once.

·       Will the University help me with the move?

Then University will be able to offer assistance with moving to your new room. This would be during working hours of 9:00-17:00 Monday to Friday. More details on this process will be communicated to those needing to move.

·       Can I request a specific alternative room or hall?

We only have a limited number of rooms available to move students in to. We have scheduled the works on a programme so we will move all flat mates together to a new location. If you have a specific request, please let us know, but we cannot guarantee this will be fulfilled.

Academic Impact

·       Will the works affect my ability to study, revise, or sit exams?

No works linked to this programme of works will take place over the January and summer exam and assessment period to allow residents to study and revise with no impact of noise or disruption in the building. We also have a large study space in Sir James Matthews building, located off Guildhall square, for people looking for space away from Mayflower to study and revise.

·       Will relocations be avoided during exam periods?

Yes, we will avoid room moves during the exam period and stop all the works to minimise noise and disruption to you.

·       Will I have access to quiet study spaces if my flat is affected?

You will always have access to study in the B block study space and C block common room. We also have a large learning space at Sir James Matthews building that you are able to use.

Financial / Rent

·       Will I get a rent reduction or compensation?

For students who are asked to move rooms, we will be offering a good will gesture of £100 for the inconvenience of moving.

·       Will my rent change if I move to a different hall?

Your rent will remain the same as you will be moving to the same category of room at Mayflower. If you wanted to explore a room move to another location, rental prices could change.

Support and Wellbeing

·       Who can I speak to if I’m anxious or unsure about the situation?

We have staff drop-in sessions so you can speak to members of staff regarding the works. We will have a dedicated information page on the Halls Life site. The Student Hub and Student Wellbeing team are also available 24/7 and can be contacted for any worries or concerns you have regarding this.

·       Who do I contact if I have accessibility or health needs related to relocation?

Please reach out to the Student Hub should you have any questions. We work closely with the student disability and inclusion team to ensure all accessibility or health needs are met. If we already know about your needs, we will be factoring this into which temporary room we allocate you to. If we aren’t aware, please do get in contact with us, so we can ensure that your temporary room meets all your needs.

Communication

·       How will I be kept updated and where can I find all information?

We will keep you updated by email and on our dedicated Halls Life page. We will have notice boards in A block reception with printed updates too. Please also regularly check your university email as updates will be provided during the programme of works.

·       Who can I contact with specific questions about my room or flat?

Please contact the student Hub with any specific questions you have.

For Families

·       Is my child safe in the building?

We have steps in place to ensure all residents are safe in the building. Our fire detection systems and fire alarm processes are strict and ensure any potential issues are investigated within a matter of minutes. We have sprinkler systems in place that will activate in a fire to suppress any fire quickly and effectively.

·       Who can families contact if they have concerns?

Families can contact the Student Hub with any concerns they have. Please note that unless there is a third-party consent submitted by the student, we will not be able to speak with you regarding specific details. A student can submit a third-party consent form for us to speak openly and freely about this topic.

For Future Students (2026 entry onwards)

·       Will Mayflower Halls be ready for students starting in September 2026?

The phased programme of work will continue through 26/27 academic year. Students will be asked to move rooms once for all areas where works have not yet been completed.

·       Should I still apply for accommodation at Mayflower?

We encourage students to still apply for Mayflower Halls. It is still a great choice for accommodation, right in the city centre close to shops, restaurants and the central train station. Students will be compensated for the disruption of moving rooms.

Process and Accountability

·       Why wasn’t this identified when the building was constructed?

The University leases the building and at taking possession of the building, all information that was provided to us indicated the works were in accordance with the building regulations at the time of construction.

·       What assurances are in place that this won’t happen again?

By implementing a full three phased approach, we will be accessing all areas to ensure that all issues are identified and rectified. The University Estates teams are reviewing current work practices and are considering the implementation of a permit to work system where any works impact fire stopping.