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| The Gent VA system combines the function of emergency VA with everyday use for PA and entertainment |
A fire detection and alarm solution from fire industry experts Gent by Honeywell, has been installed in one of the UK’s newest cultural venues, the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock, Scotland.
Opened to visitors in J anuary 2013, The Beacon is situated at Customhouse Quay, overlooking the River Clyde estuary. The prestigious building is the replacement venue for the Greenock Arts Guild Theatre, which served the community of Inverclyde for 65 years.
At the brand new arts centre, Scotshield, a leading UK independent service provider for safety, life safety and electronic security systems, installed a Gent Voice Alarm (VA) system integrated with the Vigilon fire detection system, selected to meet the venue’s multipurpose requirements.
Scotshield Fire & Security, was involved in the project from the early stages and, as a Gent Technology Centre, is highly experienced at supplying Gent equipment and carrying out design, installation, commissioning and maintenance operations to the company’s exacting standards.
The Beacon has two performing spaces, together with a bistro/bar and three large rehearsal rooms which can be extended to provide a function suite for up to 170 guests. The new building will use cutting-edge theatre technology as well as providing infrastructure for live television broadcasts.
"The Gent rack based VA/PA system and Vigilon was ideal, we demonstrated it to the client in the planning stages and found that every element suited their needs" |
The centre’s theatre can accommodate more than 500 patrons on three levels and boasts one of the largest main stages in Scotland. The fully equipped theatre set up includes a full height fly tower with counterweight system, two trap doors, retractable orchestra pit and generous wing space.
Martin Gordon, project manager, Scotshield Fire & Security, said: “The key requirement was for a solution that could provide maximum flexibility, one that could combine both comprehensive fire cover and a Public Address (PA) system. The Gent rack based VA/PA system and Vigilon was ideal, we demonstrated it to the client in the planning stages and found that every element suited their needs.”
The Gent VA system at the Beacon Arts Centre combines the function of emergency VA with everyday use for PA and entertainment. It allows music to be played through 7 different zones in the building, from background music in reception to the differing musical requirements of the stage areas. The simple and cost effective solution for both emergency and non-urgent use is also used as a PA system for staff announcements and the fireman’s microphone is in place to manage safe evacuation should that be necessary.
The VA system from Gent by Honeywell is certified to EN54-16 and are complimented by a range of EN54-24 certified Loudspeakers to ensure the system is both compliant with regulations and will perform reliably. In fact the Beacon Arts Centre is the first project completed by Gent by Honeywell employing a complete range of EN54-24 loudspeakers from its recently launched range.
Stuart Brown, business manager at Gent said: “The Beacon is a significant new addition to the Scottish theatre and arts scene and we’re confident that the unique solution installed will provide the ultimate protection as well as enhance the visitor’s experience.
Our Voice Alarm system components meet all of the requirements of EN54 parts 16 and 24 and have proven to be most effective solution for similar venues across the UK due to their flexibility and performance.”
