Following several years of planning, and after overcoming a number of obstacles, West Chester Commercial BID is now home to a brand-new CCTV and ANPR system.
Comprising 54 CCTV cameras and three specialist ANPR cameras, the infrastructure features in 14 different locations around the industrial estate, and was officially launched in September 2023.
Overseeing the project was OneTek, a Business IT, Telecoms and CCTV Solutions provider which has a head office on Winsford 1-5. Using state-of-the-art equipment, all of the cameras are equipped with the latest AI technology to improve
searching and monitoring capabilities, as well as gathering a significant amount of data to gain insight into the usage of the area.
Despite a number of delays to the project in relation to planning, OneTek have also been able to upgrade the system in a number of ways, notably with regards to net zero.
This means that a range of metrics can be captured and monitored, including:
– The fuel types of vehicles using the estate
– The MOT/Tax status of vehicles using the estate
– The age of vehicles using the estate
– The European emission ratings of the vehicles using the estate
All of this data will help the West Chester BID team formulate environmental strategies going forward as the race to net zero intensifies. In another boost to the BID and its businesses, it is also possible for OneTek to deploy Ultra-Fast broadband using the same WIFI & Fiber networks that are used for the CCTV system.
This provides an alternative option to those businesses wherever the existing suppliers, such as BT, are not able to provide sufficient connectivity.
Commenting on the completion of the project, Chair of the West Chester Commercial BID Executive Board, Jordi J Morell, said: “The BID has invested in a versatile platform that can lead to many more cutting-edge projects. Over the next year we are hoping to undertake engagement workshops with BID businesses, OneTek and other stakeholders to understand how these technologies and the data they gather can assist you.”
If you would like to know more about the project or have any queries in the meantime, please email BID Project Manager Hugh Shields via [email protected].
IN NUMBERS: WEST CHESTER BID CCTV AND ANPR PROJECT
The new CCTV and ANPR system here on the estate will revolutionise safety and security, as well as helping to unlock opportunities with regards to sustainability and the environment.
Here we take a look at some of the key facts and figures underpinning its infrastructure.
- 54 CCTV CAMERAS
- 3 SPECIALIST ANPR CAMERAS
- CAMERA RESOLUTION OF 20MP
- AUDIO ANALYTICS
- AI ANALYTICS
Another impressive feature of the system is that it incorporates triple redundancy recording too. This means everything is
recorded locally within the camera, to the cloud and to the main servers which adds extra layers of data protection.
What they said about the project…
As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, two individuals played a key role in the implementation of the project.
Here’s what they have had to say following its completion…
Lee Donaghey, Managing Director, OneTek
“It has been a pleasure to engage with the BID board regarding this project. During the times we waited for various approvals, I was keen to maximise what we delivered within the approved budget. The result is not only a cutting-edge security system, but also a tremendous source of reportable information. There has also been a lot of interest in this project beyond West Chester BID. People are keen to see how we deploy these technologies to create a truly SMART
place for West Chester BID and its resident businesses.
I am really looking forward to further engagement with businesses to discuss the endless possibilities large scale networked systems and artificial intelligence bring.”
Hugh Shields, BID Project Manager
“I’m thrilled that the CCTV and ANPR project is now complete. It has been a long process with numerous challenges to overcome along the way, but we now truly have a pioneering system that will benefit both the BID and its businesses for many years to come. There will be a number of opportunities for businesses to engage with the BID in order to effectively understand and utilise the capabilities of the system, so please do get involved when the chance arises.”