Contractor to be appointed to carry out fire safety upgrades to Council flats

A photo showing the outside of a building

Ipswich Borough Council is set to agree the appointment of a major works contractor to deliver fire safety upgrades to its flats which support older people, those with support needs and those in need of general housing.

Following national changes in fire safety rules, the Council has assessed each of its blocks of flats and identified where improvements can be made. It now seeks to award a contract as part of the first phase of works at Holywells Court, Reydon House, Dundee House, Morecombe Court and Walton House, with other buildings expected to follow.

The Council has been working with fire safety specialists, Ridge & Partners LLP (Ridge) and the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to identify what each site needs. Work will vary from site to site but includes items such as fire alarm upgrades, sprinklers and replacing fire doors. 

Once the contract is awarded, the Council will contact all residents affected by the works to provide more details about when the work will take place.

Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, says: 

“The safety of our residents is the council’s highest priority. In line with the latest fire safety rules, a programme of essential fire safety improvements has been identified by expert consultants and Executive is now being asked to agree the award of contracts to deliver these works.”

Full details of the report to Executive for agreement can be found at: Agenda for Executive on Tuesday 10th June 2025, 6.00 pm | Democracy Online | Ipswich Borough Council