SECTOR INSIGHT
BELFAST DEVELOPMENT WINS SECURED BY DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AWARD
The redevelopment of a historic building into residential properties in Belfast has won the Large Development of the Year award at this year ’ s Secured by Design ( SBD ) ATLAS awards .
» THE HISTORIC BUILDING WAS converted into 77 properties , split across 55 apartments and 22 duplex apartments with 68 parking spaces and cycle storage , and subsequently received the Secured by Design Gold Award .
In 2019 , work began to transform the building into residential dwellings . Police Service Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) Designing Out Crime Unit were extensively involved in the build process , with full SBD recommendations incorporated from the outset .
To ensure the development included safety and security considerations suitable for residential use , a number of changes were proposed by the Designing Out Crime Team . Increased lighting within the build was agreed , and a monitored security surveillance system was installed , along with permanent security staff on site . Internal doors and security features were added to improve compartmentation , and perimeter fencing was upgraded to reduce permeability and improve access control .
The redevelopment of the historic structure meant unique difficulties for the developers , with construction changes using existing features to maximise security without impacting on the historic nature of the building . Internally , the building has now been transformed into modern apartments , while the original exterior stonework has been preserved . Access from a major road was considered a challenge and so improved road markings , signage and lighting were introduced as a proportionate solution .
The development is located within a ‘ hot spot ’ for crime and anti-social behaviour , close to a fixed barrier which has separated communities for 40 years . The Designing Out Crime Team were also involved in designing the newly introduced interface – automated gates , abutting the development site , which was factored in to the design of the development .
The PSNI Designing Out Crime Team were engaged in regular consultation with the Department of Justice Interface Team , local community groups , councillors and representatives regarding the interface , and additional no-parking features and reduced potential climbing points were built into the design . The team were also involved in encouraging a full clean-up of the surrounding area , factored in as part of the Broken Windows Theory .
Receiving the award , PSNI Senior Designing Out Crime Officer said : “ This was a challenging project due to the restrictions within the development ; however , proactive engagement with the developer was key to the success . We are really pleased to receive this award on behalf of the team and partners .”
PSNI Strategic Lead for Crime Prevention and Designing Out Crime added : “ The complexity of two separate design projects interlinked created additional challenges . The use of mitigations , common sense and costeffective design features provided an opportunity for effective solution designs . We welcome this award from SBD as a showcase of the design teamwork within Northern Ireland .”
Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors , such as residential , education , health , transport , commercial , retail , sport and leisure . Indeed , SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 ( Security ) to the English Building Regulations , the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 ( Security ) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q ( Security – Dwellings ). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers ( DOCOs ), who advise architects , developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete .
SBD Design Guides
SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building , design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England , Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD .
These Design Guides , available to download for free at the SBD website , have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology .
They are a valuable source of reference to architects , developers , self-builders , local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors , including residential , education , health , transport and commercial .
www . securedbydesign . com
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AUGUST 2024
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