Building Safety and Fire

The Unity Building in Liverpool is a mixed-use real estate development comprising a residential tower alongside a separate but connected commercial office tower. The 27-storey residential element includes approximately 161–162 private apartments, predominantly two- and three-bedroom duplexes, supported by amenities such as a 24-hour concierge, a residents’ gym and secure underground parking.

Appointed by Freehold Managers PLC, Hollis acted as Lead Consultant, Project Manager and Cost Manager as part of our Building and Fire Safety service, on 27-storey Unity Building façade remediation of the residential tower, having been appointed following eligibility approval from DLUHC, to lead the technical design and procurement for this complex project.

We were briefed by our client WP Carey, to prepare a comprehensive vendor’s technical due diligence sale pack on an eight-storey (205,000 sq ft) office building in Salford, Manchester, originally constructed in 1988.

We provided a building survey report, specialist mechanical and electrical surveys, and worked in partnership with the client and our specialist supply chain to manage coordination of a third-party cladding report and a third-party PAS 9980 Fire Risk Assessment External Wall (FRAEW).

The 1988 building – wrapped in 25-year-old composite panels with a combustible extruded polystyrene core – was considered high risk for potential fire safety compliance issues, and as such also carried potentially high associated capex liability for further remediation works.

Our thorough investigations concluded there were no red flags, with no need for cladding replacement, or significant remedial repairs (aside from typical maintenance). No further works were required for the next ten years, due to the building achieving a tolerable risk score based on the holistic fire safety assessment of the building.

By working with the client to quickly understand their concerns, our Building Safety & Fire, Mechanical & Electrical, and Technical Due Diligence experts worked together to tailor a bespoke solution.

Our reports assisted the sale, helped protect the value of the asset, and provided fire safety comfort for the occupier and purchaser.

Whilst investigating an initial cladding panel failure, our team identified a series of wider issues affecting the roof, façade, fire safety provisions and MEP systems. Through detailed technical analysis, we established the underlying root causes and developed a clear remediation strategy, subsequently procuring the required works on behalf of our client.

We provided comprehensive advice on cladding defects, roof leaks, fire safety compliance and mechanical and electrical engineering concerns, and oversaw a substantial programme of remedial works to ensure each issue was fully resolved and the building could be safely returned to use. In parallel, we supported the client on related asset management matters, including reviewing the adequacy of the Building Manuals and advising on an appropriate planned preventative maintenance strategy to safeguard the building’s long-term performance.

We conducted full Technical Due Diligence on a portfolio comprising two assets in The Netherlands and the other in Spain.

Our client, Hines, was preparing to purchase the assets for their fund on a sale and leaseback arrangement. Offering our Technical Due Diligence service, we assessed the technical conditions, defects and implications of the assets prior to purchase, highlighting any risks and advising whether to proceed with the transaction.

Drawing on multiple disciplines, we provided a complete package of Technical Due Diligence (building survey and mechanical and electrical engineering), Fire Engineering, Reinstatement Cost Assessments, Environmental Phase 1, ESG Consulting including CRREM Analysis, and Measured Surveys for the asset in The Netherlands. Costs were supervised from our cost management team, liaising with the building surveying and mechanical and electrical engineering team for costs within the Capex schedules.

Due to the large scale and cross border nature of this project, the works required a diligent and disciplined approach. Having presence in Europe, we were able to coordinate various teams in a centralised location and keep our client informed and involved throughout.

Consistent with Hines’ value-focused logistics acquisition strategy, in addition to the high quality locations, the assets are highly functional for the needs of their current and future occupiers.

Whilst investigating an initial cladding panel failure, our team identified a series of wider issues affecting the roof, façade, fire safety provisions and MEP systems. Through detailed technical analysis, we established the underlying root causes and developed a clear remediation strategy, subsequently procuring the required works on behalf of our client.

We provided comprehensive advice on cladding defects, roof leaks, fire safety compliance and mechanical and electrical engineering concerns, and oversaw a substantial programme of remedial works to ensure each issue was fully resolved and the building could be safely returned to use. In parallel, we supported the client on related asset management matters, including reviewing the adequacy of the Building Manuals and advising on an appropriate planned preventative maintenance strategy to safeguard the building’s long-term performance.

We conducted full Technical Due Diligence on the Tesco distribution centre in Donabate – Ireland’s largest building measuring a vast 77,385 sq m.

Our client, DTZ Investors, was preparing to purchase the asset on behalf of a Korean investor. Due diligence was required to get an accurate picture of the current state of the property, highlighting any risks ahead of purchase.

Drawing on multiple disciplines, we provided a complete package of Technical Due Diligence including Building Surveying, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fire Engineering, Measured Surveys and Reinstatement Cost Assessments. Due to the scale of the building the works required a diligent and disciplined approach.

Hollis supported Northern LGPS and LPPI on the £1.1bn acquisition of a 5,478-home portfolio spanning 71 sites across the UK, delivering a rapid pre-acquisition technical due diligence programme.

Our multi-disciplinary team provided building safety and fire advice, environmental consultancy and comprehensive building surveys - including M&E and drone roof inspections - ensuring clear risk visibility across this large-scale, complex portfolio.

We were appointed to deliver a comprehensive purchaser’s Technical Due Diligence (TDD) report for Anchor Retail Park, a rare and strategically located mixed-use asset in London’s East End. As one of the few remaining inner London retail parks, the site offers significant landholding and long-term potential for capital enhancement and alternative uses.

Our multidisciplinary team worked closely with the client, DTZ Investors, to understand their acquisition priorities and deliver a robust technical assessment under tight time constraints. The site comprises a terrace of three-unit retail warehouses and a terrace of eleven four-bedroom houses.

Technical Due Diligence delivery

We undertook a full suite of Technical Due Diligence services, coordinating across disciplines to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery. In line with the client’s requirements, our Building Surveying, Mechanical & Electrical, and ESG teams produced detailed technical reports, including:

• Building Fabric and M&E Building Survey Reports
• Reinstatement Cost Assessment
• Level 5 EPC Assessment
• Peer review of a Phase 2 Environmental report
• NZC Audit with Decarbonisation Pathway

To ensure full regulatory and safety compliance, we also consulted our in house fire engineering specialists, who reviewed the site’s fire strategy and provided expert input to support the client’s risk profile.

Challenges and solutions

One of the key challenges was the complexity of the site, which included both commercial and residential elements.
Operating under tight acquisition deadlines, we mobilised quickly and delivered all services within the required timeframe. Our ability to coordinate multiple disciplines as well as specialist external consultants – while maintaining quality and rigour – was critical to the success of the project.

Another challenge was ensuring comprehensive environmental and fire safety assurance. Our team addressed this by conducting a peer review of the existing Phase 2 Environmental report and engaging fire engineering specialists to validate compliance and identify any risks.

Opportunities and outcomes

Anchor Retail Park represented a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial landholding in inner London, with strong existing use value and significant potential for future redevelopment or repositioning.

Our reporting provided the client with a clear understanding of the site’s current condition, regulatory standing, and long term potential. This enabled informed decision-making and supported a confident acquisition strategy.
By delivering a thorough and integrated due diligence package, we helped de-risk the transaction and position the client to unlock the full value of this unique asset.

To learn more about how we can help on your next retail project get in touch with Kevin Howes.

105 Victoria Street (completion, Q2 2026) provides 500,000 sq ft across office, retail, public spaces and terraces. Market leading ESG credentials see the building designed to achieve EPC A; WELL ‘Platinum’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’. 

Our role was to provide initial technical due diligence across the development, including separate service reviews of fire engineering, MEP design, vertical transport and ESG, which culminated in a successful loan close, then closely monitoring development risk and managing debt drawdown towards completion.

Our early identification of construction risks combined with a pragmatic and commercial mindset, has helped our client to achieve a low risk loan profile.