The University of Birmingham has unveiled a new state-of-the-art control room thanks to the help of a CCTV specialist based in the North East.

The university enlisted the help of 2020 Vision Systems to revamp its existing control room as well as to provide a holistic CCTV replacement across the entire campus.

Its new control room, which is part of a £700,000 contract for 2020 Vision, has been officially opened and a commemorative plaque unveiled.

2020 Vision, which is based in North Shields near Newcastle, has previously completed projects at the university as well as a host of other universities and colleges across the UK.

2020 Vision was tasked with upgrading over 100 of the university’s CCTV cameras in order to migrate them from analogue to digital technology. The control room has also been completely redesigned to feature the very best in ergonomic philosophies as well as the latest security technology.

Gordon Allt, head of security at the university, said: “Security at the university is of the upper most importance. We increase in student numbers year on year therefore we need to make sure we have a safe and welcoming environment.

“Our CCTV equipment and control room are a major part of the universities security strategy, we are really grateful for the efforts 2020 Vision has made to the university over the years. Their expertise and professional approach are second to none.”

“The upgrade has improved the working environment, made our equipment user friendly and brought us into the 21st century. The upgraded cameras across the whole campus give clearer observation with enhanced results.”

CCTV cameras have already helped a number of universities with security strategies and have ultimately led to a reduction in crimes committed in university grounds. The University of Birmingham, which currently caters for 30,000 students and 6,000 staff, hopes the upgraded equipment will reduce crime even further.

The university works closely with the local police to ensure the safety of the students is at the forefront.

Superintendent Mark Robinson, from Bournville Lane police station, said: “It is really heartening to see this further investment made by the University of Birmingham to campus security.

“We have a long-standing relationship with the university, working together to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. The new control room has introduced extra levels of security to the campus and demonstrates the university’s continued commitment to maintaining a safe place for everyone.”

Peter Houlis, managing director of 2020 Vision, said: “The opening of the new control room marks the beginning of a new era in the level of security at the university.

“University is often the first environment away from the safety of the parental home for many young people therefore the prospect of a safe environment is an extremely important factor in choosing an establishment.

“It is essential to provide the best security possible, both to tackle real problems of danger but also to reassure staff, students and parents and to make sure you fully and visibly discharge your duty of care. At 2020 Vision we understand the importance of campus safety.”

2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

* Further information on 2020 Vision is available on: www.2020cctv.com