Birch Park

Rely on Fire Check were appointed by Wiggett Group to provide specialist fire detection and fire alarm system design services for a retirement housing scheme comprising 28 self-contained apartments for residents aged 55 and over, located within the Rotherham local authority area.

The development provides a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with communal facilities including a residents’ lounge, conservatory, laundry areas, kitchen and landscaped garden spaces. As a locally allocated social housing scheme with resident management and Careline support, particular consideration was given to life safety, resident vulnerability and alignment with housing authority and social care expectations.

Rely on Fire Check undertook the design of the Fire Detection & Fire Alarm systems in accordance with the relevant British Standards and recognised best practice for supported and retirement living environments. The design approach considered the existing building layout, communal areas, access arrangements and resident profile to deliver a robust, reliable and easily maintainable system solution appropriate for long-term occupation.

As part of the appointment, Rely on Fire Check produced a comprehensive suite of design documentation to support approval, installation and future system management. This included detailed design drawings, schematic diagrams and a System Overview document clearly defining system strategy, device coverage and performance criteria. Formal design certification was also issued to provide assurance of design compliance with the applicable standards.

This appointment supported Guinness Properties in meeting their responsibilities as a social housing provider, providing assurance that the life safety systems were clearly defined, appropriately designed and supported by robust documentation suitable for safe ongoing occupation.