OFR Consultants announces new heritage appointments and completions – developing fire strategies for classical buildings across the UK

OFR Consultants – an independent consultancy dedicated to addressing fire-safety challenges – has expanded its portfolio of renowned heritage projects across the country, working with clients on the sensitive restoration of historic buildings.

In London, OFR is working with The National Gallery, working alongside the Trafalgar Square based museum in preparation for its 200th anniversary, advising on new fire strategies that will support new visitor experiences. In Cumbria, the OFR Manchester team will work with Day Architectural Ltd on the regeneration of the Citadels in the heart of Carlisle, creating a new campus that will revitalise the historic site and be transformative to the character and status of Carlisle and the wider Borderlands area, while in Scotland, the Edinburgh-based team of the business has been a part of the David Chipperfield-led design team which is transforming the historic Jenners department store in Edinburgh.

Andy Passingham is director at OFR and said: ‘It is an utter joy to work on renowned structures like these, collaborating with established architects and design teams to develop sensitive solutions to important historic structures.

‘There is so much potential among our listed and heritage buildings in this country and it is our role to apply fire engineering guidance that will allow them to be safely brought into use for a new generation of occupiers. We very much look forward to moving forward on these and all of our new projects.’

The news comes following OFR’s work on the Endeavour Penthouse Apartment at the Category B listed five-star Glenapp Castle Hotel; the building completed last summer following an extensive £2m refurbishment and is now open to guests.

Working on a new building in another historic setting, the OFR London team has provided fire engineering consultancy on the now completed Levine Building at Trinity College in Oxford. OFR worked on the designs alongside ADAM Architecture; the now complete building is a fully accessible and environmentally sustainable structure, comprising state-of-the-art residential, teaching and learning facilities as well as green space and spaces for performances, events and conferences.

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 Egypt, to Cuba, to Sri Lanka. 

Andy Passingham concluded: ‘Across the board we are fortunate enough to work on a diverse range of international projects with a portfolio encompassing the heritage above, as well as sports stadia, residential buildings and most types of commercial structures.

‘Our colleagues continue to excel, delivering great work that helps us in our mission to protect people, property and the environment.’

OFR’s mission is to continually explore the challenges that fire creates for clients and society, applying the best research, experience and diligence for effective tailored solutions. To find out more visit: ofrconsultants.com