Dickinson Court

Rely on Fire Check were appointed by Castles & Coasts Housing Association to provide specialist fire detection and fire alarm system design services for Dickinson Court, a retirement housing scheme for residents aged 55 and over, located in Whitehaven town centre.

The development comprises 32 one-bedroom apartments arranged over three floors, served by both stairs and lift access, with communal facilities including a residents’ lounge, communal kitchen, laundry, guest accommodation, scooter storage and landscaped garden areas. As a supported housing scheme with telecare provision and wellbeing support, particular consideration was given to resident vulnerability, communal living spaces and safe means of alert.

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 building layout, circulation routes, communal areas and resident profile to deliver a robust, reliable and easily maintainable system solution suitable for long-term occupation.

As part of the appointment, Rely on Fire Check produced a comprehensive suite of design documentation to support 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 requirements. Formal design certification was also issued to provide assurance that the system design aligned with the applicable standards.

In addition to the design services, Rely on Fire Check carried out on-site verification following completion of the installation. This involved reviewing the installed system against the approved design documentation to confirm that devices, configuration and installation quality were in line with the design intent, providing assurance that the system was correctly implemented and suitable for ongoing occupation.

This appointment supported Castles & Coasts Housing Association in maintaining consistent life safety standards across their retirement housing portfolio, with clearly defined, well-documented fire alarm system designs appropriate to older persons’ accommodation.