PBSA in Leicester

Overview

Global Building Environments (GBE), part of the Global HSE Group, were appointed as Principal Contractor for a retrofit project across ten stair cores within a purpose-built student accommodation site in Leicester.

The development required upgrades to its smoke ventilation systems, with one of the stair cores exceeding 18 metres in height, necessitating a Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 application.

The objective was to enhance the building’s fire safety and compliance, ensuring effective smoke extraction and improved occupant safety while minimising disruption to residents.

Initial Brief

Following concerns highlighted in a consultant’s report regarding the existing smoke ventilation system, GBE were commissioned to undertake the retrofit as the Principal Contractor.

The client’s requirements included the installation and integration of new automatic opening ventilators (AOVs) and motorised fire doors to upgrade the existing systems to current British Standards.

GBE were responsible for site preparation, enabling works, builders’ work in construction, installation of the smoke ventilation system, and full electrical and fire alarm integration. The project also included commissioning and handover of all fire safety systems.  

Teamwork

GBE worked collaboratively with the client and consultants to develop a clear and structured programme that enabled the retrofit to be completed safely within a live student environment.

The project involved the installation of 10 head-of-stair AOVs, 6 motorised fire doors, and 1 façade AOV window ventilator across protected fire lobbies.

The team coordinated closely with suppliers and subcontractors to manage lead times and maintain compliance with the required standards. Throughout the project, the operations team maintained open communication with the client to align expectations and minimise disturbance to paying residents.

Challenges and Obstacles

The project presented several logistical challenges:

1. Working during winter months, where weather conditions impacted external works.
2. Working at height, requiring robust health and safety measures.
3. Supplier lead times that caused a potential two-week delay.

Despite these challenges, GBE managed to maintain momentum on-site and delivered the project in line with the client’s expectations.

Results

The Leicester PBSA project was successfully delivered on budget, with only a two-week delay due to supplier lead times—absorbed within the client’s contingency.

The client expressed full satisfaction with the outcome, noting minimal disturbance to students and smooth project execution throughout.

GBE’s role as Principal Contractor ensured seamless coordination from planning through to commissioning, with all fire safety systems tested, certified, and handed over to meet regulatory compliance.

This project further demonstrated GBE’s capability to deliver complex fire safety retrofits efficiently and safely within operational residential environments.

• A complete digital log of all works carried out including location and details used.
• Full set of O+M’s including details of all the products used and the relevant test data and certification for them.
• Full set of “as built” drawings of the works carried out.
• 3rd party accreditation for all of the works done.

Summary

The Leicester PBSA retrofit project highlights GBE’s comprehensive approach to safety, compliance, and delivery excellence.

Through proactive supplier management, collaborative planning, and attention to live-site constraints, GBE completed the works within the client’s expectations and maintained compliance with all relevant fire safety standards.

The project strengthened the partnership between the PBSA Provider and GBE, reinforcing confidence in GBE’s ability to manage large-scale retrofit works within sensitive, occupied environments.