Firm found guilty of asbestos failings in refurb of former Unicorn pub in Manchester

A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited was principal contractor during work at the former Unicorn Pub on Liverpool Road in Greater Manchester where it was discovered that workers had been exposed to asbestos.

The Manchester-based construction company was ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs after a routine investigation to the site uncovered failings.

On 16 May 2022, an HSE inspector discovered that 12 square metres of asbestos insulating board (AIB) had been present in a ‘dumb waiter’ lift shaft – but had already been illegally removed by unknown individuals. 

HSE said A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited failed to carry out a full asbestos survey to confirm that all asbestos-containing materials had been removed before allowing further construction work to take place.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(6) of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It was fined £5,360 and ordered

to pay £5,117 in costs at a hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2025.

An HSE spokesperson said: “This was a serious incident and put those working in the building at risk of being exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos.

“Duty holders are reminded of the need to review without delay an asbestos assessment if there has been a significant change in the premises to which the assessment relates.”