The final preparations are underway for the opening of a cutting-edge fire resistance testing laboratory in January 2025.
Located at Birchwood Park, this facility marks a significant advancement in fire safety testing with its state-of-the-art features and sustainable design.
Construction Completion and Transition Phase
The construction phase of the new fire resistance testing laboratory is now complete. Preparations for the state-of-the-art laboratory are entering their final stages ahead of its official opening in January 2025.
The facility, located at Birchwood Park in Warrington, covers 101,000 square feet. The site was handed over from principal contractors six weeks ahead of schedule on 16 September 2024. This early handover allows ample time for final adjustments and preparations.
During this final phase, a key focus is on obtaining UKAS validation and accreditation for the laboratory’s furnaces and operations. This process is projected to conclude by the end of November, ensuring readiness to accept test specimens upon opening.
Staffing and Operational Readiness
The transition of the fire resistance testing team from their current location to the new laboratory is underway. This move is part of a wider expansion that has already created 50 new jobs, including roles for maintenance engineers and technical officers.
The newly assembled maintenance engineering team boasts expertise from diverse backgrounds, enhancing overall operational efficiency. Their role is vital in ensuring smooth, safe, and reliable operations within the new laboratory.
Sustainability and Safety Features
Aligned with the ethos of ‘Making Tomorrow Safer Than Today,’ the laboratory incorporates advanced energy-efficiency and air quality measures. These efforts earned it a Bronze Award with a perfect score under the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Among the sustainability initiatives is an innovative smoke cleaning technology. This system cleans smoke from the fire testing process to minimise environmental impact. The laboratory is also prepared to use a blend of clean hydrogen and natural gas once local infrastructure permits.
Senior Project Manager Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones remarked, “As we strive to enhance building safety, the importance of fire testing continues to grow. Our new laboratory is poised to meet this demand by tripling the capacity of our current site and incorporating sustainable solutions.”
Confidentiality and Client Services
The laboratory is meticulously designed with client confidentiality in mind. Custom-made module spray booths, each with a temperature-controlled environment, and test preparation areas are featured to protect intellectual property.
Dedicated client viewing areas ensure privacy during testing. The laboratory is trialling additional confidentiality measures and has established strict workflows to safeguard sensitive information.
Client and Employee Facilities
Significant investments have been made to enhance value for both clients and employees. Ample visitor parking with 175 bays, including 10 disabled bays and 10 EV charging stations, have been provided.
The facility also includes secure double-tier bike lockups and accessible welfare amenities like shower and locker rooms. There are five meeting rooms, three conference rooms, and lifts to platform viewing areas.
Senior Project Manager Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones added, “We want both our clients and colleagues to feel truly at home in our facility. It was important for us that the laboratory serves not only as a testing site but also as a versatile environment where meetings can be conducted, and where our team can excel.”
Future Plans for Existing Facilities
Once the new laboratory at Birchwood Park is fully operational, the current facility will be repurposed. The Holmesfield Road site will be converted into a centre of excellence for Reaction to Fire testing.
This transformation builds on previous investments to enhance construction, rail, and marine testing services. Upgraded equipment and expanded capacity for single burning item and roof testing will be introduced.
As the opening date approaches, the new laboratory is set to revolutionise fire resistance testing.
With enhanced capacity, innovative technologies, and a commitment to sustainability, it represents a major step forward in building safety.