Foreshore - building safety

Latest update - 27 June 2025

We’ve submitted our Listed Building Consent application to Lewisham Council’s planning department. We’re now waiting for approval and expect a response within eight weeks.

The work will cover several areas, including major fire safety and upgrades to ventilation and electrical systems.

Each part of the project will be delivered by different specialist teams and contractors, but we’ll try as much as possible to carry the work out simultaneously and with minimal disruption to you. We expect all work to begin early 2026.

Major fire safety

We’ll be replacing all communal and flat entrance doors and installing a sprinkler system. We’ll also be renewing ceilings and walls in communal and residential areas.

• Sprinklers (activated by heat detectors) will be fitted in all flats and communal corridors and will be linked to tanks in the basement
• Fire-resistant wall installed in communal corridor
• Fire-resistant dropped ceilings installed in communal corridors and flats
• Service cupboards along corridors will be replaced
• New communal fire doors and sidelights (or fanlights) installed where a survey confirms replacement is needed.

This work will be carried out to both blocks.

The next stage will include surveying all flats so we can finalise the plan of work and appoint a contractor.

Please be reassured that you won’t be recharged for the major fire safety work.

Electrical upgrade

We’ll be installing mains electrical services to all communal units and in each flat in the evens block (flats 6-66), bringing the system up to current standards.

• Electrical distribution boards will be installed within the mains intake (the point where electricity enters your home)
• Installation and routing of sub-main supply from the mains intake to each flat
• New cable containment systems (trunking and trays)
• Installation of protective devices and safety measures.

We’re working with electrical contractor, Purdy to make sure the wiring system is installed in line with fire safety measures and then produce and quotation and plan of work.

Ventilation upgrade

As many of you are aware, the communal ventilation units in the evens block (flats 6-66) are broken and need to be replaced. We’ll be replacing the system, complete with equipment and ductwork. Once surveys begin under the major fire safety programme, we’ll also assess ventilation in each home.

We’re working with heating contractor, Paynes, who has been to Foreshore to carry out an assessment and is now producing a quotation and work plan.

We’ll be carrying out surveys of the communal ventilation system in the odds block (flats 9-69) within the next two weeks to confirm if this work is needed.

Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) installation

We’ll be replacing existing rooflights with an AOV. French doors and sash windows in stairwells will be fitted with actuators – which will enable them to open, in line with building regulations. These will be linked and activated by silent smoke detectors.

Section 20 consultation

Although you won’t be charged for the major fire safety work, the other elements of the project - electrical and ventilation upgrades and AOV installation will be subject to our Section 20 consultation process. Once the planning application has been approved, we’ll begin this process and write to you with more details about the work and costs.

Damp and mould

In the meantime, if you’re experiencing any damp, mould or condensation issues in your home, please report this to us on MyAccount using the link below or by calling our Customer Services team on 0800 3 282 282.