North has been awarded a contract worth over £1m to use new technology to transform the University of Central Lancashire into a smart campus. The project will transition the existing analogue CCTV control system to a hybrid cloud-based platform from Genetec.
The new system integrates monitoring, reporting, alarms, and management into one system. The upgrades will improve security at one of the largest universities in the UK, with over 38,000 students and staff across its 350 undergraduate programmes and over 200 postgraduate courses. The software’s ongoing development allows it to integrate with other technologies at the University as the campus continues to evolve.
Expected to be fully operational by February 2025, the project will see around 250 analogue cameras replaced and integrated with existing IP CCTV cameras into the new system. Once completed, the upgraded CCTV system will provide coverage across the entire Preston campus.
Paul Clayton, senior building surveyor at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “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 for both our staff and students.”
Andrew Foster, managing director – Public Services at North, said: “This contract highlights the importance of cutting-edge security systems that will provide a crucial part of the modern campus investment roadmap.”
