North secures £1M contract to transform the University of Central Lancashire into a smart campus

North has been awarded a contract worth over £1m to use new technology to transform the University of Central Lancashire into a smart campus.

The project will transition the existing analogue CCTV control system to a state-of-the-art, hybrid cloud-based platform. The technology from provider Genetec is new to the UK and its use marks a clear investment from the University into student and staff security.

The new system will amalgamate multiple current systems into a single user interface that will integrate monitoring, reporting, alarms, and management into one system. This will increase operators' ease of use and ensure faster response times from security staff on campus.

The upgrades will significantly improve security at one of the largest universities in the UK, with over 38,000 students and staff across its 350 undergraduate programmes and over 200 postgraduate courses.

This new security upgrade lays the foundations for the continued creation of a smarter, safer and more sustainable campus. The software's ongoing development allows it to integrate with other technologies at the University as the campus continues to evolve.

North will work closely with the University to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. This will see around 250 analogue cameras replaced and integrated with existing IP CCTV cameras into the new system. The new resilient hybrid cloud solution will increase security, create a flexible platform for growth and support the University of Central Lancashire in sustaining and enhancing the wellbeing of its people, places and the planet.

The project is set to begin in September 2024 with the new system expected to be fully operational by February 2025. Once completed, the upgraded CCTV system will provide comprehensive coverage across the entire Preston campus.

Andrew Foster, Managing Director – Public Services at North, said: "This contract highlights the importance of cutting-edge security systems that will provide a crucial part of the modern campus investment roadmap.”

"This groundbreaking project marks the first UK deployment of this technology and represents a significant step toward creating smarter campuses - not just at the University of Central Lancashire, but across colleges and universities throughout the UK."

Paul Clayton, Senior Building Surveyor at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “By investing in smart technology, we are investing in the quality of our students’ experiences and education here at the University of Central Lancashire. The new CCTV and security upgrade will importantly enhance safety at our Preston campus which is located in the heart of the city for both our staff and students.

“We’re pleased to partner with North to accelerate our ambitions to become a smarter campus and the integration of a state-of-the-art security system opens an exciting gateway for the University as we continue to evolve and embrace technology.”