Door Industry Journal - Spring 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 88 THE door industry journal spring 2020 Automated Gates & Barriers Procter Contracts Provides Full Package of Gates and Fencing for New HMRC Offices in Manchester Procter Contracts has designed, manufactured and installed a complete package of high-quality gates and Secured by Design fencing for Three New Bailey, Salford, which is to be occupied by HMRC as its new Greater Manchester base from 2022. Developer Bowmer + Kirkland had been asked to create something out of the ordinary for the new seven-storey building that HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) will be leasing in its entirety for 25 years. The designers therefore wanted a strong aesthetic but, because of the nature of the tenant, they also placed a high priority on security. To soften the appearance and present, quite literally, a green front, the landscape architects had specified planting in front of the fencing in strategic locations. This gave rise to particular challenges due to the presence of an underground car park, subsurface services and the need for concrete bases for the gates. Fortunately Bowmer + Kirkland’s team was able to work closely with the designers from Procter Contracts to ensure that the planting could be carried out as required. Not only were the concrete bases for the gates sized and located so as to allow the plants to flourish, but the design for the bases also ensured there was no need to disturb the services in the vicinity of the gates. The main entrance gates for the HMRC building are automated tracked sliding gates. These were designed and manufactured in-house by Procter Contracts, and the company’s own installation team subsequently laid the concrete bases and erected the gates. Fully compliant with all current safety standards and guidance, the gates were CE Marked after commissioning to indicate that they meet the health and safety requirements of the European Machinery Directive and are, in fact, safe. Procter Contracts is a founder member of the Automated Gate Group of the dhf (Door & Hardware Federation), as well as a Gate Safe Aware Installer, and has always been at the forefront of powered gate safety. As is the norm for Procter Contracts, the gates and support structure were fabricated in steel and finished with a polyester powder coat for an excellent aesthetic and long-lasting, low-maintenance durability. However, An unusual feature of these gates is the cladding. Aluminium composite panels, imported from Germany, feature a printed graphic design and are fixed securely to the gates to present an eye-catching and attractive façade that complements the building and planting. Furthermore, the aluminium panels also benefit from a smooth surface with no handholds, which deters would-be intruders from climbing the gates. To complement the automated gates, Procter Contracts supplied and installed a set of manually operated bi-folding gates that require very little space when open. Similar to the main gates, these are fabricated from steel, powder coated and clad with printed aluminium composite panels. In addition, the scope of supply included approximately 110 linear metres of all-steel, self-raking balustrade railings, with the same style of panels attached. All of the fencing meets SBD (Secured by Design) standards to provide the necessary level of perimeter security as specified by the developer. A further challenge met by Procter Contracts during the New Bailey project was the need for city centre working. A busy construction site can quickly become crowded, so the installation of the gates and fencing was planned very carefully in terms of scheduling and onsite working. As a result of the detailed planning that took place in conjunction with Bowmer + Kirkland, the gates and fencing were installed very quickly, thereby minimising the time that Procter Contracts was on site. For more information about bespoke gates and fencing, go to www.proctercontracts.co.uk . Alternatively, contact Procter Contracts to discuss specific projects by emailing Enquiries@ProcterContracts.co.uk or telephone 0800 294 4177. Procter Contracts provides a comprehensive service and works with architects to create truly bespoke gates and fencing without compromising security.