Project overview
Barnsley Football Club appointed J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants to develop a fire strategy plan for the East Stand at Oakwell Stadium following a series of renovation works. The East Stand is a vital part of the stadium, hosting thousands of fans as well as hospitality areas, concessions, and staff facilities on match days. The client required a clear, regulator-ready fire strategy to demonstrate compliance and to ensure the safety of spectators and staff.
The challenge
Stadium environments present complex fire safety challenges due to their scale, crowd density, and multi-use nature. For the East Stand, the renovations altered internal layouts, circulation routes, and building fabric, meaning that the existing fire strategy was no longer valid. The new fire strategy plan needed to:
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Ensure compliance with Approved Document B and relevant British Standards
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Confirm safe evacuation routes and capacities for large crowds
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Review fire compartmentation and fire door provisions within the renovated stand
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Provide reassurance for Building Control and stadium safety officers
Our approach
J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants carried out a full review of the East Stand’s renovation works, combining detailed analysis of architectural drawings with on-site inspections. The fire strategy plan we produced included:
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Identification and mapping of fire compartments and protected escape routes
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Review and recommendations for fire door upgrades to maintain compartment integrity
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Assessment of detection, alarm, and emergency lighting systems against BS 5839 and BS 5266
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Occupancy and evacuation calculations to ensure safe egress for large crowd numbers
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Proportionate, cost-effective recommendations to achieve compliance without unnecessary additional works
Logistics and site considerations
The stadium had to remain operational during parts of the renovation programme, meaning our strategy had to account for both construction conditions and match-day operations. This required close collaboration with Barnsley FC’s project team to ensure that all fire safety measures were practical, achievable, and integrated into stadium management procedures.
Results and benefits
The fire strategy plan delivered by J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants provided Barnsley Football Club with:
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A comprehensive, regulator-ready document demonstrating compliance with fire safety legislation
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Assurance that the East Stand could safely accommodate large crowds
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Practical, proportionate recommendations that avoided unnecessary costs
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Confidence for Building Control, safety officers, and the club’s management team that the renovated stand met fire safety requirements
Conclusion
The East Stand renovation at Oakwell Stadium highlights the importance of tailored fire strategy planning in complex, high-occupancy environments. J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants delivered a clear, practical, and compliant fire strategy plan that safeguarded spectators, staff, and players, while supporting the club in delivering a successful renovation project.