MediaCity premieres security system realised by Axis Communications

The integrated video, audio and data analytics solution from Axis Communications, the network video specialist, is now protecting some of the UK’s largest media powerhouses including the BBC and ITV.

In recent years, it had become increasingly clear that MediaCity’s analogue surveillance system was outdated and no longer fit for purpose. RS Security Consultants, an independent security consultancy and Axis Communications Partner, was tasked with auditing the site’s security architecture and recommending a new system.

Following impressive demonstrations of its products when set against those of several competitors, Axis’ IP security system was deployed to deliver high-quality video surveillance, with real-time security alerts realised for a central Control Room. The solution also reduces ongoing maintenance costs and is in keeping with the hub’s ongoing sustainability and cyber security goals.

Dynamic and vibrant hub

Richard Sumner, director at RS Security Consultants, noted: “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 security protection, while also ensuring that the system was unobtrusive and blends in with the environment.”

Using Axis Communications’ 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 solutions performance without it having an impact on the atmosphere across the site. Indeed, the security regime goes largely unnoticed by the many people who use the space every day.

Tony Chebrika, head of security at Peel Media (which part-owns MediaCity) observed: “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 has been installed and that we chose partners with a shared focus on sustainability and cyber security. Axis Communications and RS Security Consultants have helped us to ensure that our new security system has had as little impact on the environment as possible, while also boasting strong measures to guard against cyber threats.”

State-of-the-art system

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 acts of criminality. This reliable, high-quality solution offers everything that security personnel need to detect threats and suspicious behaviours, act on the data from multiple security solutions and keep tenants, customers and visitors safe and secure.

Tony Chebrika stated: “Everyone who 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 to secure a number of new business customers who prioritised a highly secure environment when taking their decision. That’s now guaranteed at MediaCity.”

David Needham, UK and Ireland sales manager at Axis Communications, concluded: “The system that has 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 achieves all objectives. Safety has been improved and ongoing maintenance costs reduced. Real-time alerts mean that the security team can make live security decisions. In short, we’ve helped MediaCity to become safer and smarter.”

*Discover more about the new security system at MediaCity

**Further information is available online at www.axis.com