Chester Rows Fire Protection Test

Cheshire West and Chester Council has appointed Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection specialists who provide innovative fire protection solutions to the Heritage sector to install additional fire protection on Chester Rows.

Working alongside Heritage Architects Donald Insall Associates, Ramboll M&E consultants, and Heritage Contractor Recclesia a test system has been installed in four areas:

• Rosies Nightclub, Northgate Street Row East
• Olive Tree Brasserie, Watergate Street Row South
• Powell Jewellery, Bridge Street Row East
• Diane Harbridge Bridal Couture, Bridge Street Row West

The new Aspirating Smoke Detection system will be tested on 28 June before the main installation across the Rows.

The test will include setting off controlled smoke pellets at each location, at Rows level. The smoke pellet testing will be carried out by Charles Thomas, witnessed by the Council’s Building Control and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, who will be involved in the test to ensure it operates safely. The testing will take place between 7am and 11am and last no longer than 60 seconds at each location.

Members of the public and businesses will not need to report the smoke to the emergency services who will already be onsite during the testing.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “We are committed to conserving the rich heritage in Chester City Centre. Our Heritage Action Zone project over the past year has seen structural restoration work across the City Rows plus a host of events and activities breathing new life into the historic buildings.

“The risk of fire on the Chester Rows is taken very seriously and a lot of work has taken place over the years. This new system is designed to detect smoke and raise an early alarm for the emergency services. The test will be checking for both early detection and reducing the likelihood of false alarms.”