A primary school at Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, enjoys 24-hour protection through an electronic fire and security installation from Secom plc.
The newly built Newark Primary School has access control, fire and intruder alarms, and CCTV to protect assett during and outside school hours. Secom installed the security systems as part of NG Bailey’s £3m contract for mechanical, electrical and other services. The £10m school also has micro wind turbines and energy efficient lighting, ventilation and heating systems to reduce its carbon footprint.
Newark is part of Inverclyde Council’s school refurbishment and building programme, and replaces three smaller primary schools and a nursery. The new school takes 594 primary and infant pupils, and has 80 nursery places. It is the first Inverclyde School with Secom electronic security solutions but, says the council’s Assistant School Estate Manager, Eddie Montgomery, a similar installation is planned at the new 1,100 pupil Inverclyde Academy, nearing completion at nearby Greenock. Both projects were designed by Studio E architects and built by Barr Construction.
Eddie Montgomery says all 45 schools in Inverclyde’s portfolio have electronic security, but the Newark Primary and Inverclyde Academy installations take protection to a new high. He says: "The latest technology employed at these schools enables us to provide free movement and enhanced levels of security for staff and pupils, and also to protect the investment in teaching aids and school facilities. The access control system, for example, provides enhanced security by making designated areas such as toilet blocks selectively accessible. We are also excited by the potential this technology offers – such as centralised CCTV monitoring out-of-hours, with images transmitted over the council’s IP network."
Secom Regional Manager Stuart Comrie says the solution for Newark Primary included the system design and installation of the access control system, CCTV cameras and digital recorders, plus the intruder and fire alarm systems. There is also a special disabled toilet alarm, and a disabled refuge system. "The solution provides excellent security with minimum effort from teaching and support staff," he says. "It combines maximum cover for the school’s assets today with future proof upgradability."
NG Bailey’s contract at Newark Primary School covered mechanical and electrical services, plumbing, fire and security systems, internal lighting, ICT and an integrated building management system. Mark Andrews, Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to provide, in partnership with Secom, market-leading technology in security as well as sustainability to what is arguably now one of the leading future proof, high-specification schools in the UK. Sustainability is a key concern for educational facilities, as well as businesses. Inverclyde Council’s decision to incorporate energy efficient technology in this development is a positive reflection of the way the industry is moving."
