The Stanley Building
At the heart of this project was the refurbishment of the existing Stanley Building, which is a small listed building (the last of one of the first examples of social housing in London) with a new building wrapped around it to create a new 30,000 sq ft office building.
Client
Fora (Formally The Office Group)
SERVICES
LOCATION
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Fora, a renowned provider of flexible workspaces, commissioned Opem to design, install, and maintain a comprehensive security system for the historic Stanley Building in London. This project involved a unique blend of modern security technology and historic preservation, integrating advanced access control and CCTV systems within a listed building that dates back to 1864-65.
THE STANLEY BUILDING: A HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Stanley Building is the last remaining structure of an original set of five, built by the Improved Industrial Dwellings Company. These buildings were among the first examples of social housing in London, aimed at providing better living conditions for King’s Cross workers. The surviving Stanley Building has been restored and updated, now serving as a 30,000 sq ft office building with serviced offices and meeting rooms managed by Fora.
SECURITY SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
Salto SPACE Access Control System
- Design and Installation: Opem designed a customised access control system tailored to the unique requirements of the Stanley Building. The Salto SPACE system was chosen for its flexibility and advanced features.
- Integration with Historic Features: Special consideration was given to the building’s historical elements, ensuring that the new installations complemented the architectural heritage.
- Remote Monitoring: The access control system is monitored round-the-clock by Opem’s in-house control room, ensuring immediate response to any unauthorised access attempts.
CCTV Surveillance
- Comprehensive Coverage: State-of-the-art CCTV cameras were strategically placed to provide complete coverage of both the interior and exterior of the building.
- Discreet Placement: Cameras were installed discreetly to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the historic building while ensuring robust security.
- Real-Time Monitoring: All footage is monitored in real-time by Opem’s control room, with alerts set for any unusual activities.
ONGOING SECURITY MAINTENANCE
Opem’s role extends beyond installation to include comprehensive security system maintenance. This includes regular system checks, software updates, and hardware inspections to ensure that the security systems remain in optimal condition.
- Preventative Maintenance: Routine checks are conducted to prevent any potential issues from escalating, ensuring continuous protection.
- 24/7 Support: Opem provides around-the-clock support for any maintenance issues, ensuring that any problems are addressed promptly.
- Upgrades and Enhancements: As security technology evolves, Opem ensures that the Stanley Building’s systems are upgraded to incorporate the latest advancements.
COLLABORATION AND CHALLENGES
- Working with the Principal Contractor
- Coordinated Efforts: Opem collaborated closely with the principal contractor to integrate the security systems seamlessly with other building refurbishments.
- Adapting to Changes: The project required flexibility to adapt to ongoing changes and challenges, including working around the preservation of the building’s historic features.
- Balancing Modern Security with Historic Preservation
- Sensitive Installation: Special care was taken to ensure that modern security installations did not detract from the building’s historical charm.
- Heritage Compliance: All installations were compliant with heritage preservation standards, ensuring the building’s historical significance was maintained.
CONCLUSION
The refurbishment of the Stanley Building presented a unique challenge, blending historical preservation with modern security needs. Through the design and installation of the Salto SPACE access control system and comprehensive CCTV surveillance, Opem successfully provided Fora with a secure and well-monitored environment. The ongoing security maintenance ensures that the Stanley Building remains a safe and functional space, preserving its historic legacy while meeting contemporary security demands.
Working alongside Opem Security for the past eight years has been a testament to the strength of our partnership. As the Group Head of Facilities for The Office Group, I can confidently say that Opem is not just a supplier but a vital part of our day-to-day operations Opem has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our security needs and has provided innovative solutions that align seamlessly with our evolving requirements. Their commitment to excellence and reliability has made them a key player in our long-term security strategy. In an industry where trust is paramount, Opem has proven time and again to be a partner we can depend on. The longevity of our relationship is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the value they bring to The Office Group. Their commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind our successful 360 security operation model.
ALEX WALTERS | GROUP HEAD OF FACILITIES AT THE OFFICE GROUP
