Incommunities Ltd, High-Rise Programme
West Yorkshire, UK
project overview
Improving residents’ safety with a programme of high-rise tower block surveys
To strengthen building safety compliance and enhance living conditions, we established a five-year, strategically aligned partnership delivering a comprehensive programme of building surveys and improvement works across Incommunities’ full estate.
By combining multidisciplinary expertise, advanced technology, robust governance and resident engagement, we’re delivering outcomes that meet statutory requirements and set a benchmark for the sector.
Incommunities Ltd manage over 22,600 social and affordable homes across Yorkshire, predominately in the Bradford district, with a presence in Kirklees, Wakefield and Sheffield. They pride themselves on working with their customers, communities and local partners to provide a range of good quality, warm and affordable homes.
To reduce utility bills for their residents, they invest in improving the energy-efficiency of their housing stock. Their commitment also extends beyond the homes themselves, creating work opportunities for local people and contributing to the regional economy through various employment schemes and activities.
GATHERING INFORMATION
Utilising a range of surveys to deliver detailed reports
Our initial appointment involved carrying out safety surveys at 19 of our client’s high-rise residential blocks to inform on key areas such as cladding, access, lifecycle, condition, fire safety and resistance and ventilation, as well as layout plans and evacuation routes. The surveys provided Incommunities with sufficient information to allow for the full management of their blocks and to assist with their building safety cases, as required by the Building Safety Act.
To develop a comprehensive understanding of each block and inform our reports, we completed a range of technical surveys and holistic reviews.
As well as visual surveys, our specialist in house geomatics consultancy team carried out 3D scanning of the external elements of the buildings, all communal areas and a select number of flats, providing sufficient information about all the different types of apartments across the blocks.
To assess the structural suitability, reaction to fire and projected longevity of the main building fabric, intrusive surveys were also undertaken.
These involved scanning of and, in select areas, drilling into concrete columns, walls, ceilings and beams in a small sample of the residential flats and to parts of the communal areas in each block.
Combined, these varied surveys enabled us to develop a detailed understanding of the tower blocks. This provided a clear evidence base for our reports, allowing us to give accurate advice on improving safety and supporting successful building management from the client side.
IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Enhancing the comfort and safety of resident's homes
Designed to support the protection of residents, fire safety enhancements include the provision of new sprinkler systems, alongside additional measures which aim to prevent the spread of fire in the event of an emergency.
Other building enhancements include re-roofing works, the replacement of windows and doors, and general refurbishment, and replacing combustible cladding, as well as upgrades to the heating and boiler systems and M&E services. To improve accessibility and create a more welcoming approach to the buildings, entrances will also be widened and redesigned.
Our approach is centred around Incommunities’ clear commitment to resident safety and transparency.
Engagement was embedded from the earliest stages, with structured public consultations enabling residents to understand the proposed works and contribute to decision making.
For example, resident’s desire to have new CCTV systems, access controls, and perimeter security to the car park was recorded and included in the project works as a result.
To minimise disruption, communication with the residents has been an essential part of the programme. We have worked intently with the client’s delivery and communications teams to find the right balance between necessary works and minimised tenant disruption.
COLLABORATION
Achieving compliance through an award-winning collaboration
We’re delighted that this project with Incommunities Housing took home the ‘Partnership and Collaboration of the Year’ at the ASCP Awards 2026 recognising our five-year programmed to improve building safety, compliance and living standards across homes in Yorkshire
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