1 Jun 2016
The hostile vehicle mitigation system Townscape Products installed at Birmingham New Street helps to provide a robust deterrent against the threat of vehicle-bound attacks on the premises.
The client
With more than
170,000 daily passengers, Birmingham New Street is the city’s biggest and
busiest railway station. In the context of the UK itself, Birmingham New Street
is the busiest station outside of London, with tens of millions of passengers
passing through each year.
With that in
mind, it’s no surprise that the station is widely regarded to be the central
hub of the UK rail network and a major destination for many train operators
running UK-wide services. Since the station first opened in 1854, it has
endured as an integral part of the UK rail network.
The brief
In 2003 the old
Birmingham New Street station was voted the ugliest building in Britain. It’s fair
to say the station was in need of a well-overdue revamp, especially given its
status as one of the UK’s most high-profile railway stations.
The brief we
received from Network Rail’s managing agent was to provide a highly-effective
perimeter security solution for the station. It was essential that a security
system was put in place to protect the station against the threat of hostile
vehicle attacks. There was also a strong desire to improve the appearance of
the station, so it was vital a solution was found which provided security and
enhanced the aesthetics of the station.
The installation
Following our
brief, we worked to manufacture and install three stainless steel PAS 68 Planters
around the front face of Birmingham New Street and 20 granite-clad PAS 68 CT Blocks
around the station’s taxi rank.
The use of
these CT Planters ensured the perimeter security system we installed reinforced
the modern, sharp design of the new station. The use of our signature CT Planters
also meant we were able to plant trees, further improving aesthetics.
The CT Blocks
installed were granite-topped with anti-skater studs. This provided security
infrastructure with a high-quality, anti-vandalism finish, which also doubled
as seating for commuters. The 100mm low profile foundation required by these CT
blocks made the installation a smooth and simple process, with no disruption to
underground infrastructure necessary.
The results
The bespoke
hostile vehicle mitigation system we installed at Birmingham New Street
provides robust perimeter security capable of stopping a 7.5 tonne vehicle.
This ensures the station enjoys strong and effective protection against the
threat of vehicle-bound attacks.
The use of
stylish CT Blocks and Planters also allows the perimeter security solution to
enhance rather than detract from the aesthetics of the station.
The insight
“Our project at
Birmingham New Street demonstrates that it is possible to install effective
perimeter security without detriment to the design and appearance of a project.
Instead, security installations can be used in such a way that they enhance the
appearance of a project upon completion, with products such as CT Planters and
CT Blocks providing versatility as well as security.
Townscape Products
Website
T: 01623 513355
Fulwood Road South
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 2JZ
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom