Physical security expert Meesons worked closely with a team of architects to deliver a seamless entryway system for Liverpool’s landmark India Buildings.
In 2017 an extensive refurbishment programme began to restore India Buildings to its former glory. Completed in August 2021, the 10-storey building now serves as a regional government hub for around 4,500 civil servants.
The restoration programme involved a significant amount of work, both internally and externally, to provide the 280,000 sq. ft of Grade A office space.
Remedial work was required to ensure it was fit to house the new tenant whilst also retaining the distinctive heritage features, including the arcade and lobby interior. The upgrade involved enhancements to the security at the main and staff entrances to meet the increased occupancy levels and provide secure access to the building.
A listed restoration project
To secure and control access to the building, Speed Gates were identified for the main entrance along with the staff entrance. Having provided a similar entrance control solution for ten regional government hubs already, which met the client’s specified performance criteria, Meesons EasyGate SPT Speed Gates was chosen.
Meesons installed 7 lanes, across two banks on either side of the main reception desk, with a further 5 lanes at the staff entrance. In order to manage the high volume of staff and visitors to the building, single-wing lanes were provided to maximise the throughput and reduce any crowding at peak periods. Each bank of Speed Gates consisted of an EA-compliant wide access lane suitable for wheelchair access.
Heritage aspects influence security aesthetics
Completing the secure line in the main reception, a cantilever infill barrier was provided to prevent unauthorised users from attempting to gain access by climbing over. At 1500mm high, the glass wings and balustrade glazing was selected to act as a deterrent to intruders.
Due to the heritage aspects of India buildings, that had to be protected as part of the listed building consent, the Speed Gates needed to be in keeping with the architecture of the building but still provide the necessary level of security required. Meesons worked closely with Falconer Chester Hall Architects to deliver a solution that gave the appearance that the gates had always been there.
Rectangular designed Speed Gates were provided with a steel top lid, which was all finished in a special powder coated heritage bronze to blend in with the existing architecture. Finishing details on the cantilever glass balustrade and the remote-control panels located on the reception desk were also finished in the same heritage bronze powder coating. Finally, to preserve the historic marble flooring an alternative method of securing the lanes to the floor was deployed.
Another successful security installation
After 4 years and significant remedial works, the refurbishment of Liverpool’s landmark India Buildings has been sympathetically restored in line with the architects’ original design. It is now ready for a new chapter as a Grade A office space for the city of Liverpool and its new government tenant.
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