NW Security Group and Axis Communications have partnered to provide a town-wide regeneration project in Hampshire’s Whitehill & Bordon with a modern security solution to build in ‘smart city capabilities’.
The project is said to highlight how modern security solutions play an integral role in the development of a ‘smart city’. The town has undergone a complete transformation following the relocation of the British Army’s Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering in 2015, which freed up approximately 200 hectares of land. Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company has redeveloped the area to include 2,400 homes and a town centre.
The security solutions from Axis and installed by NW Security Group are designed to be used for more than just security, say the developers. Cameras and IP audio devices are helping to deter criminal activity and prevent violence, but are also enabling a more connected environment via IP audio, analytics and live streaming to gather intelligence about the use of facilities and further guide development of the town.
Chris Manning, Project Manager at the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, explains: “We had a unique opportunity here to put the right technology in place from the beginning. Our aim has been to make Whitehill & Bordon a fantastic place to live, work and socialise. To achieve this, we needed a connected security solution that would offer high levels of protection, while also helping to drive a sustainability agenda and attracting residents and businesses to the town.”
The whole solution has been built from the ground up, with solutions said to support cyber security and sustainable principles – the latter through the use of low-power technology. A total of 100 Axis network cameras and other devices were chosen as part of the new solution. These include:
The solution also comprises Axis network switches and an AXIS V59 PTZ network camera with broadcast quality for the live streaming of an array of events, such as music and comedy nights, both online and to giant billboard screens situated around the town.
Frank Crouwel, Managing Director at NW Security Group, elaborates: “Our strong partnership with Axis and the impeccable pedigree of its solutions meant it was the only choice. We opted for a set-up that allows bespoke configuration with Axis’ hardware at the core, enhanced by third-party software. Axis’ open-platform approach made this possible, delivering increased flexibility and supporting the integration of cutting-edge software. Regular firmware and software updates ensure the system is always online and up-to-date, while simple plug-and-play connectivity means the highly scalable system can grow as the town evolves.”
Nick Platt-Higgins, UK Key Account Manager at Axis Communications, concludes: “The Whitehill & Bordon project provided a great opportunity for Axis to work closely with NW Security Group, and the town’s planning team, to offer a tailor-made solution to meet the town’s requirements. This project showcases the smart city capabilities of our solutions where, rather than being used for security alone, they become woven into the very fabric of the development. As buildings are designed and use cases put forward for new applications of the technology, Axis will continue to support those requirements.”
With one third of the town centre development complete, and the second stage due to commence later this year, the security solution looks set to be scaled to cover a new supermarket, further residential dwellings and many other developments in Whitehill & Bordon’s continuing evolution.
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