The new European Extremely Large Telescope

The company, which is the largest consultancy dedicated to fire engineering in the UK, offers pre-eminent fire engineering expertise that protects people, property and the environment.

Here in Scotland, the team has helped to deliver a fairy tale ending at the Category B listed 5-star Glenapp Castle Hotel following an extensive £2 million refurbishment. The OFR team worked alongside client Truestone Glenapp Ltd to advise on the complex project that had faced building control challenges over the three-year duration. The team also worked in Glasgow on the recent completion of the Allander Leisure and Adult Resource Centre – a new build facility comprising a 25m six-lane swimming pool, teaching pool, eight-court games hall, and other amenities. 

Other projects benefitting from the 100-strong team’s advice this month include providing fire safety guidance to the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) for its new European Extremely Large Telescope, which is currently under construction in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Working as part of an international team, the OFR experts are peer reviewing the contractor’s design proposals for the client and ensuring that proposals meet relevant design guidance recommendations and appropriate regulations. OFR is working on behalf of Ramboll, a global engineering, architecture and consultancy company

In London, the team has been advising on the detailed planning submission for a sustainable office-led redevelopment of the Printworks building. Located within Zone H of the Canada Water masterplan, which is a partnership between British Land, Southwark Council and the local community, the Printworks building will include ground floor retail, improved landscaping and the creation of accessible routes throughout the site.

In the North, OFR has also helped on the creation of two schemes in Leeds. Working on behalf of client Wilmott Dixon, OFR has advised on the creation of a new block at Outwood Academy in Hemsworth as well as Leeds Bus Station where OFR guided the client on the safe creation of new entryways for passengers.

OFR was founded in 2016 in Manchester and has since become the UK’s leading fire risk consultancy, employing more than 100 colleagues from over 20 countries. The brightest and best professionals in their field, these colleagues help deliver on global projects across the UK and the whole world – from Antarctica, to Cuba, to Sri Lanka. 

Concluded founding director Sam Liptrott said: “We have been fortunate enough this year to work on some really fascinating projects, taking our team across the world, ensuring that they share the best fire engineering advice to clients delivering ambitious new developments. Our colleagues have excelled in delivering some great work at each of these sites and we now look forward to working with more great global clients as we use our expertise to protect people, property and the environment.”