Learning from Success: How One High-Rise Achieved Building Safety Compliance (Case Study)
The Building Safety Act 2022 has created a new compliance journey for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), residential blocks over 18 metres or seven storeys.
For many owners and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs), the process of securing a Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) can seem daunting.
But recent successes such as the Nine Acre Court high-rise in Salford, one of the first buildings in England to secure its BAC show that with the right professional support, the process is achievable and highly beneficial.
The Compliance Journey: Step by Step
- Initial Structural Safety Review
The owner commissioned a Chartered Structural Engineer to undertake a full Structural Risk Assessment (SRA). This included:
- Reviewing all historic drawings and construction records.
- Inspecting the building’s concrete frame, slabs and load paths.
- Identifying any deterioration such as spalling, cracking or corrosion.
- Assessing robustness against abnormal events such as fire or explosion.
- Resident Engagement
A clear Resident Engagement Strategy was created to inform occupants:
- Explaining why inspections were taking place.
- Providing reassurance about safety measures.
- Creating easy channels for residents to report cracks, movement or concerns.
- Documenting the Golden Thread
All structural data, assessments and updates were added to the building’s Golden Thread, the digital record of safety-critical information now required for HRBs.
- Producing the Safety Case Report
The engineering team compiled a BSR-ready Structural Safety Report (SSR) that clearly demonstrated:
- The building’s structural performance and residual capacity.
- Any risks of failure and the reasonably practicable measures taken to mitigate them.
- Planned ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
This report formed the structural section of the overall Safety Case Report.
- Submission & Regulator Sign-Off
The completed Safety Case was submitted to the Building Safety Regulator, who granted a Building Assessment Certificate confirming the building’s structural and fire safety was being actively managed.
Why This Matters for Owners
This case shows that:
- Early engagement with a competent structural engineer sets the foundation for success.
- Clear resident communication reduces anxiety and speeds cooperation.
- Maintaining a strong Golden Thread simplifies regulator review.
- Timely structural assessment and reporting can lead to one of the first BAC approvals protecting asset value and reputation.
Buildings that are proactive and well-documented not only comply but also enjoy stronger insurance options, easier financing and improved resident confidence.
How Structures Made Easy Helps Achieve the Same Success
At Structures Made Easy, we support owners and PAPs through every step of the compliance journey:
- Chartered Engineer-led Structural Risk Assessments and inspections.
- Preparation of BSR-ready Structural Safety Reports (SSR) tailored to HRBs.
- Advice on resident engagement strategies for clear communication.
- Guidance in building and maintaining a Golden Thread of structural data.
- Fast, reliable support to achieve timely BAC approvals for single sites or large portfolios.
We turn a complex, highly regulated process into a clear, managed journey helping you achieve compliance with confidence.
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