Blackthorn Court, Barnet

Blackthorn Court is a comprehensive fire safety remediation project being delivered for Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) at a five-storey residential building in the London Borough of Barnet, comprising 24 occupied homes. Procured through a two-stage Pre Construction Services Agreement followed by a JCT Design and Build contract, Higgins is working collaboratively with Silver as Employer's Agent, CJCT Architects, CHPK Fire Engineers, Tullys Consulting Engineers and Cudd Bentley to deliver a coordinated programme of fire safety improvements that will enhance resident safety and achieve Building Regulations compliance.

Constructed using a timber frame with a single skin brick outer leaf, the building required a carefully developed remediation strategy following intrusive fire safety investigations that identified defects within the external wall system and internal fire compartmentation. The works include the localised removal of brickwork around windows, doors, ventilation grilles, gas flues and compartment lines to facilitate the installation of Siderise cavity fire barriers. Existing timber balcony decking is being replaced with A1-Rated aluminium decking, while internal fire stopping is being upgraded at cross corridor walls and party wall junctions to improve compartmentation throughout the building.

Working within an occupied timber framed residential building required carefully coordinated access arrangements, phased construction sequencing and close collaboration with residents to ensure the remediation works progressed safely with minimal disruption.

A dedicated Resident Liaison Officer provides a single point of contact throughout the programme, supporting residents with regular updates, coordinated access arrangements and responsive assistance throughout the works. Alongside the remediation programme, Higgins is delivering a tailored package of social value initiatives aligned with MTVH's priorities, including training and employment opportunities, education outreach and improvements to shared community spaces.

Delivered through Higgins' specialist works team, the project demonstrates our expertise in delivering complex remediation schemes within occupied residential buildings. A dedicated Contract Quality Plan, digital inspection records and independent third-party verification provide complete traceability throughout the project, ensuring every aspect of the works complies with the Building Safety Act and is delivered to the highest standards of quality and fire safety.