Fire engineering
for complex projects
A selection of our work across the UK. From early design
through to completion, we've supported complex buildings,
industrial facilities, and specialist developments.
Project 1
Sector: Airports
Belfast International Airport,Redevelopment Programme
MSC provided strategic fire safety support throughout Belfast International Airport's redevelopment programme.
The challenge
Delivering a major redevelopment programme within a live, operational airport, where passenger safety and day-to-day operations could not be compromised.
Our approach
Working closely with airport management, we provided comprehensive, practical fire safety advice at each stage of the programme. This included developing temporary fire strategies, carrying out dynamic risk assessments as conditions changed, and providing daily strategic support to allow works to progress safely alongside airport operations.
The outcome
The redevelopment works progressed with minimal operational disruption, and the airport remained safe and fully operational throughout.
Project 2
Sector: Heritage · Hotels
The Grand Hotel, Brighton
MSC provided specialist fire engineering consultancy for the large-scale refurbishment of Brighton's historic Grand Hotel.
The challenge
Delivering a practical, compliant fire safety solution for a working hotel, while respecting the building's significant historic character.
Our approach
Taking a considered, performance-based approach, we provided the technical expertise and engineering analysis needed to support the refurbishment. This allowed us to meet modern fire safety requirements while preserving the building's architectural and heritage features.
The outcome
The refurbishment was successfully completed with the hotel remaining open and fully operational throughout, keeping guests and staff safe while minimising disruption to the business.
Project 3
Sector: Warehouses
Lidl RegionalDistribution Centre,Belvedere
MSC developed a detailed fire strategy for a 35,270m² regional distribution centre.
The challenge
The scale of the building resulted in long travel distances, requiring careful consideration of means of escape. The project also included the charging zone for lithium-ion battery-powered materials handling equipment, a technically complex risk not addressed by standard fire safety guidance.
Our approach
We carried out engineering analysis to justify the extended travel distances, demonstrating that occupants could evacuate safely without the need for additional escape routes. For the charging zone, we completed a specialist risk assessment and developed a bespoke set of fire safety provisions, drawing on FM Global data sheets, RISC Authority and FPA guidance along with industry publications.
The outcome
Our engineered approach allowed the building to operate more efficiently, making better use of the available space and keeping internal compartmentation to a minimum. This avoided unnecessary fire walls and barriers that would have restricted the movement of goods, staff and equipment across the distribution centre.
Project 4
Sector: Hotels · Façade remediation
Leonardo Hotel, Derby
MSC provided fire engineering consultancy to support PAS 9980 façade remediation works at the Leonardo Hotel in Derby.
The challenge
Developing a practical, compliant and proportionate solution to a complex cladding remediation brief.
Our approach
Working closely with the wider design team throughout, we provided the technical expertise and engineering analysis needed to shape a risk-based remediation strategy in line with PAS 9980.
The outcome
A proportionate remediation solution that addressed the genuine fire risk, giving the client confidence that the works were both necessary and sufficient, without unnecessary cost or disruption.
Expertise
Our Approach
Early-stage design support
Guidance from concept through planning.
Compliance and approvals
Strategy and documentation for building control and statutory consultees.
Advanced modelling and analysis
Smoke movement, egress, and performance-based design.
Construction stage inspections
On-site verification and sign-off.
Forensic analysis and investigation
Post-incident assessment and expert reporting.
