Manchester installs a comprehensive security solution in its most iconic buildings

To secure the administrative buildings of the city of Manchester, its City Council has implemented a solution formed by axis cameras and Genetec Security Center software.

Network cameras Axis combined with Genetec have been the solutions chosen by Manchester City Council to secure the Grade II Town Hall Extension and the Central Library of the city.

A project that has posed great challenges since it required a comprehensive solution that would allow the surveillance of buildings of 18.288 square meters that are open to the public. "In addition,, The cameras not only had to offer excellent image quality and advanced features but also had to be integrated into the environment., to be part of it without being detrimental to the aesthetics of these historic buildings", explains Atul Rajput, Axis Regional Director for Northern Europe.

Grantfen Fire and Security (Grantfen) has been the company responsible for carrying out this project that opted for the Axis M3005-V camera as the equipment that best suited the requirements of the implementation.

More than 200 of these ultra-compact fixed dome cameras, that are part of a solution that integrates intrusion detection, Fire and flood alarms, Leak detectors, Emergency lighting protocols and a management system to monitor building safety.

The new system replaces the previous analog CCTV solution, that was beginning to become obsolete and show certain vulnerabilities that had to be solved.

“Grantfen awarded tender to implement effective IP-based video and access control solution for Manchester City Council as part of wider refurbishment, which includes the Grade II and buildings of some architectural importance. This is why a priority, therefore, was that any camera used in the project, It had to have sufficient resolution to meet the security requirements that were required, but discreet enough not to detract from historic buildings”, adds Atul.

The fixed dome camera Axis M3005-V met the requirements raised, both for its features and functionalities and for its size. But the project not only required cameras but also required an integrated and customized solution and, to do that, it was necessary to combine Axis equipment with Genetec's Security Center software. With this tool when an incident occurs the alarms are transmitted to a centralized control area with the detailed specifications of the procedures to be carried out.

Central Library

In the Central Library the count of people was also included to verify the number of visitors. Thanks to the capacity and range of motion of Axis equipment, were able to mount in areas that previously had an obstructed view.

“In the case of the entrance of the Central Library, Mounting the camera was challenging due to the unusually narrow area of the door., which was too small to accommodate most surveillance cameras", comments Graham. To solve this problem, the HDTV Axis P1214 camera has been installed, which fit this space and allows discreet surveillance with high visibility.

“This technology is driving our administration toward greater efficiency and better customer service.. The new security system has made buildings safer and the management team allows staff to, visitors and important documentation from Manchester City Council are effectively protected”, clarifies Ian Jackson, Grantfen Sales Director. Currently, This Local Administration is thinking of expanding this facility and replicating it in the Town Hall building.

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