In Kent, Green Gate Access Systems has fitted a computer based access control system at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre. The Paxton Net2 product is connected to the building management network, allowing use of swipe cards for employees and ‘disposable pin codes’ for known and pre-booked disabled visitors. Disabled visitors can request a parking space with a booking and receive a reservation and pin code emailed to them, for use on an allocated date and time slot. Theatre subscribers can also be issued with an annual swipe card.
Originally contacted by Orchard Theatre in 2012 to review their parking security, Green Gate considered several options for the project, with the consultation lasting a number of months to ensure the right system was installed. The original hydraulic blockers have been repaired and serviced, warning sirens and red-green traffic lights have been installed and the Paxton Net2 installed. Access control is mounted on an O&O Totum, part of the overall safety package that also includes highways grade waning, no entry signs and underground safety loops with directional logic. Blockers rise after a vehicle has entered and minimises tail-gating.
Kent-based Green Gate Access Systems’ MD is Neil Sampson. He says: “Orchard Theatre has an obligation to provide security and accessibility for disabled patrons and theatre goers, in addition to key members of staff. They have also had to alleviate the increasing problem of shoppers using the theatre car park. With the theatre located just off Dartford High Street and in close proximity to a large shopping centre, railway station and pay and display car park, it has been all too tempting for shoppers and commuters alike to take advantage of the theatre’s free car parking facilities. The new installation will ensure ease of access, safety and security for both theatre goers and employees.”
And Will West, Technical and Buildings Manager at Orchard Theatre, says: “We are delighted with the work undertaken by Green Gate Access Systems and can now boast an easy to manage system, ensuring adequate parking for our disabled patrons and staff. The ability to control the system from my laptop is fantastic. It has been an extremely challenging installation in a busy thoroughfare, but Neil and his team have produced an excellent result.”
Visit www.greengateaccess.co.uk
