Phased Access Control Upgrade for a Performance Venue

Client requirement

An operational performance venue needed to upgrade access control across entrances used by its staff and visitors. The client wanted centralised management of credentials and clearer oversight of access, while continuing to run rehearsals, performances and normal public operations.

Operational challenge

The installation had to fit around a busy venue rather than a closed building. The team needed to coordinate with operations, front-of-house and IT staff, plan disruptive tasks around the event programme, and keep work areas separated from public routes. Different door materials and locking arrangements also needed consideration during the survey and installation.

Working environment: An occupied performance venue with visitor footfall and scheduled rehearsals and events.

The SPS Technical solution

Following a site survey, the SPS technical systems team implemented a networked Paxton Net2 solution. Door controllers, readers and associated locking hardware were brought into a centrally managed arrangement. The scope included access time profiles, door-state monitoring and event records, together with an interface to the venue's existing fire alarm system. The project combined the equipment upgrade with the planning needed to deliver it in an occupied venue.

Key outcome: The venue gained centralised credential management and access records through a phased upgrade that accommodated its operating programme.

Systems and technology installed

• Access Control

Products and manufacturers: Paxton Net2 Plus controllers and keypad/proximity readers, with entry monitors, CDVI exit devices and associated locking hardware, cabling and power enclosures.

Delivery approach

The installation sequence was planned around the venue's calendar. Survey findings, door-hardware requirements and communications with the client informed how each stage was delivered.

Phasing: Work was arranged in stages around rehearsals and performance times, with out-of-hours working where access disruption could not otherwise be avoided.

Risk controls: Internal screening separated work areas from public routes. Quieter working methods and acoustic shielding were used where appropriate to the venue's activities.

Stakeholder coordination: The programme was coordinated with operations, front-of-house and IT staff. Early liaison with the fire systems provider supported planning of the system interface.

Disruption avoided: Scheduled installation phases and out-of-hours work helped the team accommodate performances and public operations.

Integration and compliance

Integrations: The project included a fire alarm interface and access-control event monitoring. Access time profiles were configured for the venue's operational requirements. Detailed door locations and security settings are not published.

Testing, training and handover

Training and handover: The venue's administrators received training and handover manuals to support management of the upgraded system.

Outcomes and client benefits

Client benefit: The venue team gained a more coordinated way to manage access and credentials, supported by training and a delivery programme organised around the building's ongoing use.

• Centralised control and credential management for the venue team.
• Door-state monitoring and access-event records through the networked system.
• Administrator training and handover manuals supplied.
• Delivery on time and within budget across the agreed phases, as recorded in the project summary.

Lessons learned

• Involve operations, front-of-house, IT and the fire systems provider early, so installation decisions reflect how the venue is used.
• Plan work around the event calendar and the condition of individual doors, rather than assuming every entrance can be upgraded in the same way.