The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) was opened in 1984 as a multipurpose conference, entertainment, exhibition and leisure venue at a cost of around £19.5million. By 2000 it had firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading venues of its type and a massive £22 million expansion and redevelopment programme was agreed, making the BIC the largest venue on the south coast when it reopened.
When the maintenance contract for the BIC’s security system came up for renewal, Operation and Security Manager, Peter Woods, was tasked with putting the contract out to tender.
Peter Woods commented, “As part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s ‘Efficiency Review Programme’, and as the budget holder responsible for security at the BIC, I was asked to challenge the current maintenance contract in terms of value for money, efficiency and approach.”
The security system at the BIC is extensive and includes a CCTV system consisting of 153 cameras and ten monitors, a large Apex intruder alarm system, an intercom system that incorporates the BIC and its car park, five disabled refuge stations and 28 access controlled doors.
The maintenance contract also incorporates the security systems installed at the Pavilion Theatre, which include CCTV, intruder alarm, and door access systems.
Three companies were invited to submit proposals and Chris Lewis Fire & Security was delighted to be awarded the 12-month maintenance contract. Peter Woods continued, “The engineers that attended the site visit demonstrated outstanding professionalism and knowledge and we were very impressed with their flexible approach and the comprehensive proposal they submitted.”
