Security solution implemented for historic university’s cricket pavilion

The Challenge

After suffering two attempted arson attacks which threatened a Grade II listed building of significant heritage value, a historic university faced immediate security and insurance concerns.

Traditional manned guarding was prohibitively expensive for 24/7 protection, whilst standard alarm systems offered limited deterrent without monitored response capability. The remote location and valuable internal fittings made the pavilion particularly vulnerable to further arson attempts, vandalism, and theft. The university needed a rapid, cost-effective security solution that would satisfy insurer requirements whilst protecting an architecturally and historically important building until permanent systems could be commissioned and installed.

Our Approach

Following consultation with the university's security and estates departments, the BTG team designed a bespoke temporary monitored alarm system combining internal PIRs, smoke detectors, and external camera PIRs protecting both the main pavilion and surrounding buildings. The system was integrated with the university's nearby 24/7 security services for rapid alarm response. The system connected to an NSI Gold Alarm Receiving Centre managing activations and dispatching SIA-approved mobile patrols capable of reaching site within 20 minutes. Camera PIRs provided visual verification of genuine threats versus false activations, with footage quality tested through security patrol monitoring.

The Outcome

The security system successfully protected the historic pavilion from further arson attacks while also satisfying insurers and their appetite for risk.