Having seen how quickly a fire can spread in a high rise building and the devastation and loss that occurs as a result, Southampton City Council embarked on a revolutionary passive fire protection project across the city.
Embarking on a contract with us to upgrade the fire protection performance of blocks of flats across the city, the £17 million project is a working partnership between Southampton City Council, CLC Contractors and Domestic Sprinklers Ltd, supported by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services.
Duration
4 years
Contract Value
£17 million
Location
Southampton, Hampshire
Properties Involved
High-rise blocks
The Project
We have been working with Southampton City Council for several years on a number of Passive Fire Protection projects. This ongoing contract sees us upgrading the fire safety, in the Council’s high rise blocks across the city, with new communal door sets and screens, replacement flat entrance fire doors, associated fire stopping works and a complete sprinkler system across the buildings.
Alongside this work, we have also been undertaking redecoration work and fitting new flooring in some of the blocks to give the interior a freshened look.
Our Solution
Many of the residential buildings we work on were constructed during the 1960’s and have been housing residents ever since. Due to the buildings being occupied, we have utilised Resident Liaison Officers (RLO) to liaise with occupants to make appointments and manage their expectation of the work. The work itself is delivered through a combination of directly employed local tradesmen and specialist, approved contractors.
We also worked closely with our supply chain partners to design the works to ensure that all components of the project worked together and provided a total solution. This was also to ensure that we have the right materials available when we need them.
Innovations
Undertaking a robust pre-survey of the tower blocks allows us to programme the work accordingly to risk and focus work on the area of greatest need. These projects combine both passive and active fire protection. The appointment of CLC to manage the whole project ensures the co-ordination of all works minimising disruption to residents and providing best value to Southampton City Council.
The Result
Working as a single delivery team, the co-operation between all supply chain members allows us to accelerate the programmes and achieve high levels of resident satisfaction despite the disruptive nature of the works.
Following completion of one phase, a spokesman for Southampton City Council said: “Southampton City Council are delighted with positive and pro-active manner that CLC have worked to deliver this challenging project, working with all stakeholders and ensuring minimum disruption to our residents.”
