[To receive a presentation on Wolverhampton Homes / WV Living projects relating to fire safety].
Minutes:
The Head of Commercial Services and Stock Investment gave an update on the Wolverhampton Homes projects which related to fire safety. In relation to the Wolverhampton Homes Tower Infrastructure Programme they were now in Phase 2 which involved the replacement of fire doors, replacement of all the incoming services, improving emergency lighting and escape signage, upgrading smoke ventilation and dealing with compartmentalisation issues. In addition to this programme they were also retro fitting sprinkler systems in all the tower blocks they managed, which had been designed in accordance with the British Standard. The sprinklers would cover all the internal areas of the dwellings and the principle communal areas.
The Head of Commercial Services and Stock Investment commented that prior to the Grenfell tragedy there was only one residential tower block which had sprinklers fitted in England. So as a consequence, there were not many companies which had experience in this area, which made it a challenging experience.
The Head of Commercial Services and Stock Investment stated that they had completed the tower infrastructure works at Chetton Green and were on site at Boscobel. The works at Lakefields would be starting very shortly, followed by Merry Hill, Graiseley, Heath Town, Vauxhalls and then the rest of the estates. He detailed some of the extensive work that was taking place at Boscobel, which included the installation of a sprinkler system.
A Member of the Group asked if there was a scheduled date to fit sprinklers at Chetton Green. The Head of Commercial Services and Stock Investment responded that there was a scheduled date and he would give the exact details following the meeting.
A Member of the Group asked about water pressure at the Merry Hill Tower Block, as he had received information that the water supplier was turning down the pressure. The Assistant Director for Property responded there were two issues, the pressure for domestic water, which had meant they were having to install different pumps to rectify the issue. As a separate matter there was also the water pressure for the sprinkler system, where additional pumps would be required.
The Chair and Members of the Group thanked Wolverhampton Homes for the works they were undertaking. There was particular praise for the installation of sprinklers to date which were very inconspicuous and the attention to detail in using appropriate safe building materials for refurbishment works.
The Chief Operating Officer gave an update on WV Living projects. Fire suppression systems had been fitted in a range of properties built by WV Living. There were 8 schemes where sprinklers had been applied. There were two very large schemes where they were currently assessing the fire suppression options. These were the former Northicote High School site which would have 196 units and the site of the former Wednesfield High School which would have 266 units. The idea was to fit sprinklers or misting systems to these two housing development projects. The Northicote site was currently going through the planning approval process, whereas the Wednesfield former High School development had just commenced on site. Costs of designing and installing the fire suppression systems was obviously a factor in their decision making.
The Deputy Managing Director stated that the Marches contract had already been let after the decision had been made to install sprinklers, which had added a further complication. As a consquence they were having to go back to the contractor Willmott Dixon. He did however wish to assure the Group that they were doing all they could to find a good solution.
The Chair commented that he hoped the contractor would be reasonable and wish to maintain good relations with the Council. He was aware that Willmott Dixon did have experience in sprinkler installation. He believed safety was the most important factor to consider. The Hackitt review had made it clear that fire safety should be taken seriously and not at the expense of reducing costs.