Agenda item

In line with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 0.08, 2.01(d) and 18.03, the report sought approval from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) to vary the BWF – Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings contract, increasing the contract sum by a further £690k to deliver the works set out in the report. The revised total contract sum would be £5.94m.

The additional works were detailed in Appendix A – Exempt Report and would be carried out to all eight blocks within the existing BWF – Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings contract. The additional works were required to ensure the programme achieves full compliance with current Fire and Building Safety Regulations

Carrying out these works would provide crucial benefits, including ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act, fulfilling legal duties to protect occupants from fire hazards, implementing effective fire prevention and control measures, and preventing the spread of fire and smoke. These works would enhance occupant safety, provide peace of mind, and reduce the risk of severe incidents by identifying and rectifying potential fire risks within a building.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1. Pursuant to (CSO) 0.08, 2.01(d) and 18.03, to approve the variation of the BWF – Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings contract in the sum of £5.25m, authorises an increase in the contract sum by a further £690k, and approves the use of contingency as set out in the report. The revised contract value will be £5.94m.

2. To agree the total costs and scope of works contained within Appendix A of the  Exempt Report.

Reasons for decision

The BWF – Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings Contract was developed following a series of fire risk assessments, which identified essential fire safety works to 8 blocks on the estate. The works were required to ensure that residential buildings met current fire safety legislation and adequately resisted the spread of fire throughout the communal areas and provided a protected means of escape to allow the safe evacuation of residents and safe access by the fire brigade. The project commenced November 2023. During the works, the project team identified and agreed that additional works were required to ensure the project met current fire safety regulations. The additional works were not identified at tender stage; however, they were considered essential for compliance and include the following:

 Replacement of all windows, including spandrel panels to the communal stairwell of Kenley, a 17-storey residential block

 Installation of enhanced emergency lighting across all wing blocks

 Provision of additional fire-rated doors on external balconies

 Upgraded wayfinding and fire safety signage

 Implementation of essential fire safety features and surface finishes across all eight blocks on the Estate

 Additional works to complete the programme as detailed in the table in Appendix A – Exempt Report

The above measures would ensure compliance with current building and fire safety across the estate.

Subject to approval of the additional budget allocation, the Broadwater Farm (BWF) – Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Programme would proceed towards full completion. The current programme anticipated a final project sign-off and end of defects period by March 2026.

Completing these works would ensure that the eight blocks currently included in the programme achieve full compliance with the existing Fire and Building Safety Regulations.

While the Broadwater Farm Estate comprises ten blocks in total, it was acknowledged that Rochford and Martlesham are not covered under this scope.

These two blocks would instead benefit from upgrade works under the separate Pilot Refurbishment Programme.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – Doing nothing was not an option as the Council needed to comply with current fire safety regulations to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the 8 blocks on the Broadwater Farm Estate. Also, bringing forward elements of the major works programme will improve the overall condition of the communal parts, and enhance the quality of life for residents on the estate.

The only option available was to extend the current contract sum and programme to enable the existing contractor to continue with the additional works to ensure the essential fire safety features are incorporated into the programme.