Protecting the future of historic school building turned community hub: The Grammar

Working on behalf of A&S Enterprises Ltd, our fire safety and security engineers were recently contracted by Amber Valley Borough Council for a restoration project in the heart of our community. The site needed a brand new fire alarm system installed, as well as security measures to make sure that the property was fully protected when it finally reopened its doors.

The property in question is The Grammar in Heanor, an Edwardian grammar school which has been converted to become a hybrid community space with office facilities, event spaces and even provisions for a cafe. Installing fire safety and security systems was a big part of this restoration, and our team stepped in to design an integrated system, fully bespoke to this unique building. We installed and commissioned fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and a disabled refuge system.

This project was a great opportunity to draw on our experience installing modern safety systems in historic buildings. It was also an important job for our team as it allowed us to continue doing our part in serving our community and helping to boost our local area.

 

“Though not without its challenges, this project was extremely rewarding for our team, as we were able to help restore a building which has long been important to the local community. Using our expertise working in historic buildings, our work will protect it for many years to come.”

– Daniel Thompson, Contracts Manager at Midland Fire Security Services

 

The Grammar

The Grammar is a former school building in the centre of Heanor, Derbyshire, built in 1912. Eventually, the school was no longer needed, and the building was left to fall into disrepair. Over 100 years after its original construction, the local council decided to restore it to the central asset it once was.

Now the building serves as a business and community hub, with event and group spaces like the Edwardian Main Hall available to hire, inspiring workspaces, and even a standalone business centre (Baby Grammar) which is due to launch soon.

The restoration was completed to an extremely high standard, and part of that work included the implementation of reliable fire safety and security systems. The hub is intended to be a busy, hybrid space for the local population to enjoy, so keeping the building and everyone who uses it safe is of the utmost importance. That’s where our team came in!

Fire Safety and Security System Installation at The Grammar

The project

As part of The Grammar’s restoration project, our team was called in to design and install a number of fire safety and security systems. We began with a thorough site consultation, and full commissioning, testing and handover documentation was provided upon completion.

As part of the job, we ensured that all the systems were integrated for a smarter and more effective safety infrastructure. We also connected the fire alarm and intruder alarm systems to remote monitoring services, ensuring faster response in case of an emergency.

Our engineers installed the following:

• Gent addressable fire alarm system designed to Category L1 coverage.
• Grade 2 HKC intruder alarm system.
• Salto access control system.
• Hikvision CCTV system comprising a 64-channel NVR with 48 cameras.
• C-TEC SigTEL disabled refuge system, fully integrated with the disabled WC alarm system.

The result

The result of our work is a fully protected business and community hub, ready to welcome a new generation and support local growth once again. With brand new fire safety and security systems, this historic building is now prepared for whatever the modern world sends its way.

Following the project’s completion, we will continue our successful partnership with Amber Valley Borough Council by providing ongoing maintenance services at The Grammar, as well as fire extinguisher installation.

 

“Midland Fire values the customer experience with professional, knowledgeable and approachable staff who are keen to ensure the projects run efficiently. They supplied excellent technical knowledge and a high standard of workmanship to ensure the project installations meet the long term needs of our site.

Overall, I’ve found the company to be very supportive in finding solutions to technical queries, the service has been excellent, and I would recommend Midland for install and maintenance services.”

– Kevin Farrow, Buildings Officer at Amber Valley Borough Council

 

Installing fire safety and security systems in historic buildings

Installing modern fire safety and security systems in historic buildings can be challenging, particularly because the property wasn’t designed with today’s technology in mind. In the case of this Edwardian grammar school, making sure the fire safety systems were installed correctly and efficiently whilst preserving the character of the building was important to the restoration project.

Older buildings often present unique obstacles, from thick masonry walls and hidden voids to ageing electrical infrastructure and strict conservation considerations. Running cables, positioning detectors and installing alarms all require careful planning to avoid damaging original features, disrupting the building’s structure, and, crucially, ensuring the new systems work correctly and are compliant.

That’s why it was so important for our client to work with a contractor like us who understands both fire safety compliance and the sensitivities of historic properties. Our engineers took the time to assess the building thoroughly in order to decide on the safest and least intrusive installation methods. By balancing modern fire protection with respect for the building’s heritage, we were able to install systems that keep people safe without compromising the character of the space.

Looking for fire alarm installation and security services in the Midlands?

We offer full fire safety and security system installation, maintenance and commissioning across the Midlands and throughout the UK. Supporting contractors, commercial clients and public sector organisations of all shapes and sizes, our experienced engineers can help you, whatever type of building you own or manage.

We’ll work closely with your business to plan and deliver the optimum safety solutions bespoke to your premises, ensuring your systems are fully integrated and compliant with UK standards.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. For more information and a free consultation, contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.