Developers of Walkie Talkie skyscraper blamed for starting fires find temporary fix

The developers behind a skyscraper blamed for starting fires and causing damage by reflecting the sun’s rays have said they will erect a temporary scaffold screen in an attempt to stop the “phenomenon”.

The half-finished 37-storey tower at 20 Fenchurch Street in central London, dubbed the “Walkie Talkie” due to its distinctive shape, is now being called the “Walkie Scorchie” because of its apparent ability to bounce heat from the sun onto buildings in the next street.

Angry business owners in Eastcheap say the £200 million project has blistered paintwork, caused tiles to smash and singed fabric. A motorist has also said the intense heat melted part of his Jaguar.

Developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf previously said they were working to prevent the problem from taking place, and said in a joint statement: “Following approval from the City of London, we will be erecting a temporary scaffold screen at street level on Eastcheap within the next 24 hours.

“This solution should minimise the impact on the local area over the next two-to-three weeks, after which time the phenomenon is expected to have disappeared.

“The three parking bays will also remain suspended. We are also continuing to evaluate longer-term solutions to ensure this issue does not recur in future.

“We have liaised extensively with local businesses to keep them informed throughout. We have decided on this course of action with their input and agreement.”

Land Securities and Canary Wharf said the problem was caused by the current elevation of the sun in the sky with the issue expected to last for around two-to-three weeks. Three parking bays had already been suspended.