The University of Central Lancashire is planning to replace its analogue CCTV control system with a cloud based platform.
It has agreed on a contract worth more than £1 million with smart tech specialist North to use technology provided by Genetec as part of its effort to develop a ‘smart campus’.
The new system will amalgamate multiple current systems into a single user interface that will integrate monitoring, reporting, alarms and management into one system. North said this will increase operators' ease of use and ensure faster response times from security staff on campus.
The company and the university are planning to replace around 250 analogue CCTV cameras and to integrate them with existing IP cameras. The hybrid cloud solution is expected to increase security and create a flexible platform for growth.
The project began last month and the new system is expected to be fully operational by February 2025, providing comprehensive coverage of the Preston campus.
First UK deployment
Andrew Foster, managing director public services at North, said: "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, the university’s senior building surveyor, commented: “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.”
