Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, in a £15m refurbishment, reopened earlier this year after 16 months of works. It has doubled in size. The extension at the rear, which stretches out into Whitworth Park, incorporates a glass promenade and has extended the gallery’s recognised symmetrical structure.
Due to the overall expansion and a number of glass-winged extensions, the gallery contacted local Mul-T-Lock dealer, Access Lock & Safe, who recommended a Mul-T-Lock MT5 Master key System and G-Series padlocks.
Andy Dixon from Access Lock & Safe, says: “We were involved with Whitworth Art Gallery from the inception of the refurbishment project. I had no doubt in my mind that Mul-T-Lock’s MT5 and G-Series padlocks were the best choice for such a huge project; a natural progression from the previous Mul-T-Lock Integrator platform already installed.
“Over a four month period, as each construction phase concluded, we installed the MT5 range across internal and external doors and incorporated training days to show the team at the gallery how the system worked. In total, Access Lock & Safe installed 90 cylinders and 12 G-Series padlocks.”
Mul-T-Lock describes the MT5 as a multi-patented mechanical platform that combines intelligent access control with snap-resistant cylinders. Through key control, via key card or master keying options, each door can be assembled to operate by one key, or to several. With the same keying system, the G-Series padlocks contain high corrosion and attack resistant cylinders, it is claimed.
Andy adds: “The MT5 range is designed to be flexible; in such a vast commercial building, it was important that the gallery had the ability to limit and extend security access at the drop of a hat. Overall, I’m delighted that we worked on such a recognised project in Manchester, and would like to congratulate Whitworth Art Gallery on its recent awards after reopening.”
Since the relaunch, the Royal Institute of British Architects has recognised and named the gallery, the North West Building of the year. Whitworth Art Gallery has also been shortlisted for the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year award.
Dean Whiteside at Whitworth Art Gallery, says: “Having used both Mul-T-lock and Access Lock and Safe before, we were confident in the quality of the products and the level of service we would receive. The MT5 system delivers on all fronts, giving us a quality product, high levels of security and more importantly, the flexibility required to accommodate the specific needs of the building and its many users.
“With the support of Access Lock and Safe and Mul-T-lock, the entire process, from design through to delivery, seamlessly integrated into our project and operations. We are confident that the system will continue to deliver, and grow and change as our needs do.”
Visit www.mul-t-lock.co.uk.
