Building & Fire Safety Panel (BFSP) for Student Accommodation & Residential Property Sector
Inaugural Round Table Discussion on Tall Buildings Safety and Fire Safety
The safety of tall buildings has been a topic of paramount importance in recent years, particularly in the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. To shed light on the current state of affairs and the steps being taken to prevent such incidents, The Building & Fire Safety Panel (BFSP) for Student Accommodation & Residential Property Sector has been created in conjunction with IQ Students, Irwin and Colton, and Kennedys LLP.
The inaugural round table discussion on tall buildings safety and fire safety panel was kindly hosted by Kennedys LLP and brought together experts and senior stakeholders from across the tall buildings space. The first event focused on the implementation of Part 4 of the Building Safety Act, cladding litigation experiences, enforcement approach on the Fire Safety (England) Regulations and topical regulatory matters.
Darren Hicks, the IQ Student Accommodation Health and Safety Director and the driving force behind the creation of the group, opened the session and painted the picture of the urgent need for those in the sector to come together to share ideas and best practice.
Danny McShee, Partner - H&S Regulatory, and Hazel Milner, Associate, both from Kennedys, then delivered an update on the ongoing Grenfell Inquiry. The Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives, remains a sobering reminder of the critical need for robust fire safety measures in high-rise buildings. The inquiry has been diligently examining the circumstances leading up to and following the tragedy. Kennedys act for the Kensington & Chelsea TMO, the management company for Grenfell Tower, London.
The event also saw an excellent talk from Simon Whittaker, Fire Officer and Primary Authority Partner at the Great Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. Simon offered real insight into the reality of fire safety from those on the ground. He also contributed valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between fire services and building owners to enhance fire safety in tall structures.
Andrew Saunders from the Building Safety Regulator discussed the complexities and offered insight for those currently creating their Safety Case Report.
Christopher Butler, Partner - Construction Litigation from Kennedys, then gave an illuminating talk highlighting the challenges felt throughout the construction supply chain and the complexities from an insurance standpoint.
Ensuring the safety of residents and occupants in high-rise structures remains a top priority, and ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is crucial in achieving this goal.