IMPROVING SECURITY AND ACCESS AT COMPANIES HOUSE
Companies House
Enable Infrastructure has successfully finished The Gatehouse Project at Companies House, a prominent UK Government property in Cardiff. Enable secured this project utilizing The Crown Commercial Services Framework, specifically the Welsh Crown Commercial Services Construction Works and Associated Services Framework Alliance.
The project aimed to improve external access and security at the site, which houses over 1,000 employees across five floors and includes a multi-storey car park. By aligning with the latest Government security guidelines, Enable alleviated traffic congestion at the entrance, optimized vehicle and pedestrian flow, and effectively enhanced security measures, offering real protection and peace of mind against possible risks.
The project
Enable Infrastructure successfully completed The Gatehouse Project – an important programme of works to improve and strengthen external access and security at Companies House, a notable UK Government property near the centre of Cardiff. The site houses more than 1,000 staff over five floors and includes a multi-storey car park.
We used our Crown Commercial Services Framework to win the work; specifically, it was undertaken through the Welsh Crown Commercial Services Construction Works and Associated Services Framework Alliance.
The project focused on alleviating congestion as traffic enters the site, on general improvements to vehicle movements and on providing better pedestrian access. It enhanced the complex’s security in line with the latest Government guidance: with valuable public information recorded and stored at Companies House, the added level of security now provides tangible resilience and reassurance against any potential threats.
Enable Infrastructure constructed substantial barriers, new security fencing, turnstiles, and vehicle gates to manage access and egress on to the site. New bases, kerb lines and extensive surfacing and lining were installed, while the scope also covered CCTV, intercom, and lighting, allied with new signage to enhance fluency of movement around the site.
The project involved the installation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). We therefore designed and constructed rain gardens, thus ensuring that the drainage was approved by the Sustainable Drainage Approving Body.
The challenge
- Unknown location of various services underground
- Working in high-security area
- Working within heavily pedestrianised areas
- The new construction techniques required to install SuDS
- Increasing price inflation
- Continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The solution
To confirm the existence and positioning of services based on the construction drawings, trial holes were excavated, CAT scans were performed, on-site surveys were conducted, and discussions/meetings were held with the relevant authorities and on-site service personnel. Various obstacles were overcome through meticulous planning and regular meetings with the client and other parties involved, which included highly successful value engineering (VE) and collaboration sessions with the local government and the design team.
The deliverables
The project included installation of robust barriers, advanced security fencing, turnstiles, and vehicle gates to effectively control entry and exit onto the premises. Additionally, new foundations, curb lines, and extensive surfacing and lining were put in place. The project also encompassed the integration of CCTV, intercom systems, and lighting, along with the introduction of new signage to improve the flow of movement within the site. The project also included implementing sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). As a result, we planned and built rain gardens to guarantee approval from the Sustainable Drainage Approving Body.
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