Top architects Foster + Partners face court over death after window pane fell from luxury Thames flats

The creators of a luxury development on the banks of the River Thames are being prosecuted after a coach driver was killed by a window pane falling from one of the penthouses.

Mick Ferris, 53, was on the pavement beneath the Corniche Buildings on Albert Embankment when he was struck by the pane, which had plunged an estimated 250 feet to the ground.

The West Ham fan from Hoo in Kent, who was a driver for coach operator Clarkes of London, died instantly at the scene, at just after 10.30am on October 2, 2018.

Top designer Foster + Partners and property developer St James Group have now been charged with a health and safety breach over Mr Ferris’ death.

They are in the dock on Tuesday to face criminal charges alongside building contractor Lindner Prater Limited and Façade engineering consultants Wintech Limited.

All four companies have been charged following a Health and Safety Executive investigation, and are due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday to face an allegation of “failing to discharge a general health & safety duty”.

It is said they failed to take steps to ensure members of the public, including Mr Ferris, were “not exposed to risks to their health or safety, namely the risk from the outward opening penthouse window vents with oversailing glass”.

After his death, Mr Ferris’ son Daniel paid tribute, writing on social media: “Heartbroken isn't the word to describe how myself and the family feel. I love you so much dad and I'll think about you every day. Always in my heart and mind.”

The Corniche development, when completed, was sold as an “exclusive riverside address” with 253 luxury apartments and penthouses in buildings up to 27 storeys, and a panoramic view of London’s landmarks including the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

Properties went on sale at between £2.7 million and £6.25 million, with residents having access to an in-house gym and swimming pool.

Foster + Partners, founded by famed architect and designer Lord Norman Foster, worked on The Gherkin, London’s former City Hall, the Millennium Bridge across the Thames, and the new Wembley Stadium.

St James Group sits within the Berkeley Group of developers, and is responsible for a string of luxury developments around Greater London.

Shortly after Mr Ferris’ death, it issued a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of an incident at our Corniche development on Albert Embankment this morning, in which a man suffered fatal injuries.

”We extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this incredibly difficult time.

“We are investigating this incident as a matter of urgency and working with the emergency services to establish what happened.”

Foster + Partners also said: “Our sympathies and condolences are extended to the family following this tragic incident.”

Lindner Prater, based in Redhill, sells itself as “the UK's leading specialist building envelope contractor, and worked on the London Bridge station redevelopment as well as the creation of a roof on the Number 1 court at Wimbledon.

Wintech Limited, which is based in Wolverhampton, boasts Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers and London’s Centre Point tower in its portfolio of past work.

Decisive Lopetegui decisions show West Ham can make up for lost time

Why West Ham were awarded dramatic late penalty against Man United

West Ham vs Man Utd: Premier League - LIVE!

Why Summerville celebrated with Kudus as West Ham beat Man Utd