The Client
Birmingham City Council is the largest local authority in Europe, responsible for delivering housing and community services across Birmingham. The Council manages and oversees a substantial housing portfolio, including high-rise residential buildings and temporary accommodation, providing safe and affordable homes to tens of thousands of residents throughout the city.
The Challenge
Barry Jackson Tower had been identified for demolition as part of wider regeneration plans. However, in response to increasing housing demand, a strategic decision was made to transform the building into temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
This shift in purpose created new operational and safeguarding requirements. The existing security systems were outdated and not suitable for supporting vulnerable residents or providing the level of oversight required within a temporary accommodation setting.
Effective access control was essential to manage entry and prevent unauthorised access. Comprehensive CCTV coverage was required to increase visibility across communal and external areas. Importantly, the solution needed to support safeguarding responsibilities, resident reassurance and proactive incident management.
All works had to be delivered within a live high-rise environment and coordinated with the wider refurbishment programme, ensuring that security was maintained throughout the transformation process.
The Solution
A fully integrated security system was designed and installed to align with the building’s new social function.
A modern access control system was implemented across primary entrance points and key communal areas to ensure controlled entry and restrict unauthorised access. This provided clear accountability over who could enter and move within the building.
An upgraded CCTV system was deployed to deliver comprehensive surveillance coverage throughout internal and external spaces. The integration of CCTV and access control enabled management to monitor activity effectively and respond to incidents with greater clarity and confidence.
The project successfully enabled the transformation of Barry Jackson Tower from a building scheduled for demolition into a secure and operational temporary accommodation centre serving vulnerable members of the community.
The Results
Residents now benefit from controlled access, enhanced surveillance and improved safeguarding measures. The upgraded infrastructure provides greater reassurance and contributes to a safer living environment.
Building management has gained improved visibility and operational control, enabling quicker response to incidents, better incident investigation and stronger day-to-day oversight.
Beyond the technical upgrade, the project played a direct role in supporting Birmingham’s housing strategy by helping bring a previously redundant building back into safe and purposeful use. The completed security infrastructure provides a modern, reliable and scalable foundation that supports long-term safety, effective management and positive social impact.
The Key Product
Integrated Access Control System with CCTV & Centralised Monitoring