Key Points:
- Havering Council to spend £13 million on fire safety improvements for ten high-rise blocks
- Works will include installation of sprinklers, LD1 fire alarms, ventilation systems, and replacement of cladding
- The works are designed to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022
- Highfield Tower to receive £7.5m investment for cladding replacement and insulation improvements
- Renovations are set to begin in April 2024 and last until May 2027
- Resident communications will be a key part of the process due to the complex nature of the works
- Final approval for the first stage of the plan is expected at a cabinet meeting on 9 April
Havering Council has announced plans to spend over £13 million to improve the fire safety of ten high-rise blocks across the borough, with work set to begin in April 2024. This move comes in response to the Building Safety Act 2022, a piece of legislation passed in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which introduced more stringent fire safety measures.
Why is Havering Council investing in fire safety improvements?
The council has prioritised the safety of its residents, aiming to ensure all of its properties are in full compliance with updated fire safety regulations. The fire safety works will include the installation of sprinklers connected to back-up systems, as well as new LD1 fire alarms. The aim is to ensure the safety of residents in these high-rise blocks, many of which have been in use for several decades.
What will the fire safety works include?
The extensive works will cover a range of fire safety improvements, including:
- Installation of sprinklers and LD1 fire alarms
- New ventilation systems and firestopping
- Installation of automatic opening vents
- Replacement of non-compliant spandrels and window infill panels
- Removal of vertical shunt ducts where they do not meet safety standards
These upgrades are part of a wider effort to address fire safety issues in these residential towers, which include Elizabeth House, Mountbatten House, and Victoria House among others.
How will residents be affected by the fire safety works?
The fire safety works are described as “complex” and could cause disruption to residents in these towers. As the council has warned, the works will require substantial coordination, and a “significant amount of effort” will be needed for resident communications and liaison. The work, while essential, is likely to be disruptive for those living in these buildings over the coming years.
What is the timeline for these renovations?
The fire safety works will begin in April 2024 and are scheduled to finish by May 2027. The first stage of the renovations will be presented for approval at the council’s cabinet meeting on 9 April 2025, where it is expected to be approved. Following that, the council will procure a contractor for the works and seek further approval before officially starting the project.
How is Highfield Tower affected?
One of the most significant parts of the project is the £7.5 million allocated for Highfield Tower, a 16-storey block that houses 76 households. The renovation will replace the building’s rainproof cladding, which was installed in the 1990s and is now showing signs of wear. This replacement will not only improve fire safety but will also enhance the building’s insulation, potentially lowering energy bills for residents.
Work on Highfield Tower is expected to begin in April 2024, with an anticipated completion date of March 2027.
Why is this work necessary?
The Building Safety Act has created a legal obligation for local councils to ensure fire safety in all residential buildings. The council’s decision to invest in these improvements is essential not only to fulfil its responsibilities as a landlord but also to avoid the possibility of fines for non-compliance. These renovations are intended to mitigate risks and provide long-term security for residents.
What happens next?
The first stage of the plans is due to be reviewed by Havering Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. If approved, the council will proceed with further planning, including the selection of contractors and more detailed timelines.
The council’s efforts are in line with broader initiatives to enhance the safety of residential buildings following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and will make sure the borough is meeting the latest fire safety standards.
Residents living in the affected towers have been urged to stay informed and be prepared for potential disruptions during the construction phases. As the project progresses, the council will continue to update the community on the works and any significant changes.
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