Fire safety systems to high-rise blocks 

Wakefield District Housing (WDH) 

WPS delivered comprehensive fire safety upgrades plus enhanced resident security to three high-rise residential blocks in Wakefield: Tudor and Warren (12-storey), and Greenwood House (10-storey), comprising 181 homes.  

Project details

The scope of works was extensive and required WPS to take on design responsibility for specialist fire safety systems. This included close coordination with multiple stakeholders and careful planning to minimise disruption to residents. 

The works delivered included the installation of: 

• Advanced fire alarm systems, incorporating British Standards-approved domestic and non-domestic fire alarm systems, and integrated with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service broadcast system.  
• CCTV systems were installed internally and externally, alongside secure door entry systems to improve building security.  
• Sprinkler systems were fitted, supported by two internal tanks and one external tank, with associated infrastructure works.  
• Additional measures included proximity access control systems, ventilation systems, and emergency lighting with evacuation signage. To ensure compartmentation and fire integrity, cavity barriers were replaced, fire stopping works were completed, and new fire doors were installed throughout the blocks.   

Key project benefits:

• Maintaining compliance: We used digital programming software Asta to optimise scheduling and maintain transparency. Daily site inspections were also carried out, supported by photographic evidence captured through AuditPro to meet BMTrada requirements. 
• Resident engagement: A full-time Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) was present on-site throughout, providing continuous communication and support, particularly for vulnerable residents. Advance notifications were issued 21 days and 7 days prior to works, followed by introduction letters and resident handbooks. Consultation events were hosted in show flats, enabling residents to view installations and ask questions. WPS also provided respite facilities for those unable to remain in their homes during works and arranged waking-watch fire wardens for each block. This proactive approach resulted in exceptional resident satisfaction and a Considerate Constructor Scheme score of 45 out of 45. 
• Stakeholder collaboration: WPS worked closely with WDH’s consultants, Ramboll, and fire safety specialists BB7 to ensure all designs met current building regulations and aligned with robust fire strategies.  
• Robust health and safety: High-risk activities, such as lifting five tonnes of steel into roof spaces, were managed with precision, including early morning operations and temporary road closures to minimise disruption. Live fire screens were removed and replaced within the same day to maintain building integrity, often requiring extended working hours. Communal works were delivered in active fire access routes, necessitating careful sequencing to maintain safe egress at all times. Cavity wall penetrations created during works were fire-stopped daily, supported by thorough end-of-day checks.

Related projects

Fire safety improvements at Inkerman House for Birmingham City Council

Kilburn Square tower block refurbishment for Brent Council

Replacement of doorsets in the Guildhall, Moorgate, City of London

Sheltered housing scheme gets fire safety improvements with Dacorum Borough Council