Lights, camera, action: MediaCity premieres new security system

MediaCity, an international hub for technology, innovation and creativity in Greater Manchester, has greatly improved the safety of its tenants and visitors by deploying an all-new state-of-the-art IP-based solution to improve security across the 200-acre site. The integrated video, audio and data analytics solution from Axis Communications, a market leader in network video, is now protecting some of the UK’s largest media powerhouses such as the BBC and ITV, without detracting from the energy and vibrancy of the surroundings; a key element to the success of the project.

It had become increasingly clear in recent years that MediaCity’s analogue surveillance system was outdated and no longer fit for purpose. RS Security Consultants, an independent security consultancy and Axis partner, was tasked with auditing the site’s security architecture and recommending a new system. Following impressive demonstrations of its products when placed against several competitors, Axis’ IP security system was deployed to deliver high-quality video surveillance, with real-time security alerts to a central control room. The solution also reduces ongoing maintenance costs and is in keeping with the hub’s sustainability and cybersecurity goals.

Richard Sumner, Director at RS Security Consultants, elaborates, “MediaCity is a dynamic and vibrant hub that attracts businesses and families. It’s an exciting and visually stunning place to walk around and has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Accommodating up to 5,000 people at any one time, it was important to establish 24/7 protection, but also that the system was unobtrusive, blending in with the environment.”

Utilising Axis’ innovative network security has helped the team at MediaCity achieve their security requirements with cutting-edge IP cameras being skilfully camouflaged to match the surroundings. The MediaCity team can now benefit from superior performance without it having an impact on the atmosphere across the site, and going largely unnoticed by the many people that use the space every day.

Tony Chebrika, Head of Security at Peel Media, which part-owns MediaCity, adds, “We’ve created a community here in which thousands of people work, live and enjoy themselves, and we want to ensure that they can continue to do so. We’re delighted with the system that’s been installed and that we chose partners with a shared focus on sustainability and cybersecurity. Axis and RS Security Consultants have helped us ensure our new security system has had as little impact on our environment as possible, while having strong measures in-built to guard against cyber threats.”

Operatives across MediaCity can now feel confident that they have a state-of-the-art system in place to help them protect the site against crime. This reliable, high-quality solution offers everything that security personnel need to detect threats and suspicious behaviours, to act on the data from multiple security solutions and to keep their tenants, customers and visitors feeling safe and secure.

Tony Chebrika concludes: “Everyone that has used the system has been impressed. Indeed, each time we’ve sent security footage to the police they’ve strongly commended the image quality. I’m also confident that the high levels of security across our entire site have helped us secure a number of new business customers who prioritised a highly secure environment. That’s now guaranteed at MediaCity.”

David Needham, Axis Communications, concludes, “The system that’s been installed at MediaCity is a great example of what can be achieved when working closely alongside the end user and integrator. We’ve combined video, audio and on-board analytics to deliver a comprehensive solution that successfully achieved all of our objectives. Safety has been improved and ongoing maintenance costs reduced. Real-time alerts mean the security team can make live security decisions. In short, we’ve helped MediaCity become safer and smarter.”