Birmingham’s Priory House secured for the future with Midland Fire Security Services
Priory House in Birmingham’s Southside district has been given a new lease of life following its £13.3m acquisition and redevelopment.
Midland Fire Security Services joined the team to secure the building and its new residents with a ‘stay put’ fire safety strategy, supported by robust fire safety and security infrastructure.
Built in the 1950s, Priory House was a forensics laboratory for 40 years before closing its doors in 2011. The 7-storey, 77,000-square-foot landmark is now owned by Elevate Property Group.
The luxury development has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, transforming the building into an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) with 79 unique apartments boasting residents’ gardens and terraces and balconies providing views over Birmingham’s skyline.
Midland Fire Security Services joined forces with Caxton Electrical and Mechanical Ltd to ensure Priory House exceeded fire safety standards, implementing a ‘stay put’ fire strategy and installing intercoms, door entry systems and CCTV, securing the future safety of the building and its occupants.
The company was responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of the system for the scheme, all completed in accordance and working closely with the fire engineer’s report.
Fermax MEET Intercom with extended star topology
This high-quality communication system combines simplicity with flexible features along with a vandal and weather-proof design.
The Fermax MARINE MEET intercom at Priory House is adapted for key fob access for residents but can also allow for facial recognition, as well as code access if required.
The MEET system at Priory House works using extended star topology, so all devices communicate with each other, integrating the fire safety and security system on one secure network.
AC-Max Fermax Access Control System for 24/7 Security
This centralised door access control system was selected for its simple installation and integration, perfect for medium-sized residential and commercial projects. Its advanced functionality allows for fingerprint, keypad or card access as required.
The AC-Max offers multiple access points across a site connected to intuitive software for easy management and reporting. The visual, remote management system displays a site map and access points for a real-time view of the building.
Controller units are required for every two to four doors, with additional controller units used to connect across substantial distances or to include other buildings.
Integrated CCTV for around-the-clock protection
Linked to the Fermax MEET system, the CCTV at Priory House streams high-quality images from the HIK Vision cameras directly to the security hub for monitoring. This allows for 24/7 security for residents and visitors and full coverage of all access and egress routes.
Fire Safety Systems and ‘Stay Put’ Fire Strategy
The fire safety system in place at Priory House is specifically designed for this multi-level HMO, with bespoke GENT Vigilon fire alarm systems in all communal areas and fire alarm control panels installed on each floor.
GENT S-Quad series detectors are also installed throughout, which feed information directly to the localised control panels. The GENT S-Quad detectors use a range of sensing elements to identify any potential threat from heat, smoke, or carbon monoxide.
The system identifies potential threats, raises the alarm to the fire brigade for investigation. The building is specifically designed to support ‘stay put’ fire safety guidance, including AOV (Automatic Opening Ventilation) smoke vents for escape routes.
‘Stay Put’ guidance is standard NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) practice in multi-story and HMO buildings with the appropriate fire safety infrastructure.
‘Stay Put’ is designed to protect people by ensuring any movement within the building once an alert is raised, is safe for them to do so. This ensures people are kept away from potential danger areas while the threat is neutralised with minimum disruption.
The team at Midland Fire will be providing ongoing maintenance at Priory House, including two fire safety checks each year and annual maintenance on all security systems.
Dan Sillito, Director at Midland Fire Security Services, said:
“It was great to work on this historic building and be able to protect it for the future with robust fire safety and security systems. This was a fast-paced project and we worked closely with Caxton to ensure a seamless delivery.”
Paul Charlesworth, Director at Caxton Electrical and Mechanical Ltd, said:
“It was a pleasure to work with Midland Fire and their team on this project. Priory House had the usual challenges, but collaborative working ensured the seamless delivery of the project.”
At Midland Fire, we’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum fire safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training. At Midland Fire WE PROTECT.
For more information and a free consultation contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.
