…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A rooftop terrace at the One New Change shopping centre, offering breathtaking views of London’s skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and the London Eye, has been closed down due to safety concerns.
The closure comes after two individuals fell to their deaths in separate incidents within two months.
Safety Concerns Prompt Closure:
The sixth-floor terrace, a popular spot for tourists and home to a lively cocktail bar and restaurant, has been the site of two suspected suicides recently.
The tragic events have forced the owners to shut down the area “for the foreseeable” future to address the safety risks.
Real Reason behind Closure Revealed:
Initially, a note on the shopping centre’s website attributed the closure to “essential maintenance work” and stated that it was temporary.
However, a report from the Senior Coroner for the City of London, Alison Hewitt, has now shed light on the true reason behind the sudden shutdown.
The report indicates that two individuals, Arezou Tirgari and Kai Cheng Barnaby, tragically took their own lives by jumping from the roof on April 6 and June 1, respectively.
Coroner Raises Concerns:
According to the coroner’s report, there are matters of concern regarding the safety measures in place at the terrace.
It suggests that insufficient action had been taken to prevent such incidents and warns of an ongoing risk of further deaths.
Building Owner’s Response:
The building’s owner, Landsec, expressed shock and sadness over the tragic events and stated that they take building security extremely seriously.
The company closed the terrace to the public in June 2023 to assess safety measures and has now received the Coroner’s report.
Landsec pledged to review the recommendations and collaborate with the investigation to find solutions.
In the meantime, the terrace will remain closed, while the cocktail bar and restaurant, Madison, continue to operate.
Timeline of Incidents:
After Kai Cheng Barnaby’s death on April 6, a 27-year-old woman was found dead at a block of flats in Elephant and Castle.
The same day, a 31-year-old man fell from height at the One New Change shopping centre and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The police reassured the community that they do not believe any other individuals are connected to these tragic events.
Landsec’s Response Deadline:
The coroner issued safety concerns during the investigation, rather than at the end of a full inquest, and granted Landsec until August to respond to the safety issues raised.
Support and Help:
In light of these devastating events, Samaritans is available for anyone in need of support.
They can be reached free of charge at 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website.
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