High-rise building safety works

Current activity

The contractor, Lawtech, are currently in the processes of completing the design work for the application for building regulations approval from the Building Safety Regulator.

Anticipated timescales

• Planning permission for the new cladding expected to be granted 6 July 2026.
• July 2026 - Preparation of the application for building regulations approval to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
• Approval from the BSR anticipated mid-October 2026.
• Contractor to start on site in November 2026.
• The building work to continue until the end of 2028.

In addition to the works being dealt with by Lawtech Group the following works are in hand, or coming up in the future.

Fire/Smoke alarms and fire-stopping works

The Council recently entered into a long-term contract with AJS Ltd.

The intention is to undertake the installation of replacement fire/smoke alarms through this contract.

AJS will also be taking the opportunity to survey flats to ascertain if there are any issues with fire-stopping and will undertake any necessary remedial works they find to ensure fire cannot escape from one flat to another flat or communal area.

They will work through the building until all flats have been surveyed and alarm and fire-stopping works completed.

Residents will be contacted in due to course to make arrangements.

Lift refurbishment works

The Council are exploring if it is possible to deliver these works faster by utilising a separate specialist lift contractor, who will undertake the lift works inside the building at the same time as the cladding works are being done on the outside.

This will be subject to the Building Safety Regulator being happy that the works can be delivered safely this way.

Installation of sprinkler system

The Council have reviewed the sequencing of all of the works and now feel it most appropriate to undertake the sprinkler installation after the External works and the Lift refurbishment works are complete.

At present the sprinkler installation is unlikely to commence until spring 2029 at the earliest.

Residents will therefore be consulted in more detail at an appropriate time.

Communal decorations

The intention is to redecorate all the communal parts of the building after completion of all of the works listed above.

This should result in a smart, finished appearance to the building after a period of extensive works.

Consultation

We have already hosted a number of Building Safety drop-in sessions, and we’ll continue to schedule more as the building safety works move forward.

Each event is designed to give you space to talk with us, understand the plans, and share anything that matters to you.

Further events are planned, including a ‘meet the contractor’ event scheduled to take place in the autumn.

A poster with the latest details of work progress is displayed on the noticeboard in the lift lobby of Highfield Towers.

To keep up to date and stay informed about what’s happening in your building please see our newsletters and presentations.