Transforming Mixed-Use Development Security, Cambridge
Introduction
The client is a 30-acre mixed-use development in Cambridge, blending residential, commercial, leisure, and retail spaces within a sustainable, modern urban environment. The estate seeks to provide a safe, healthy, and vibrant community, while upholding high standards of service and operational excellence.
The Managing Agent sought a security partner capable of delivering a proactive, integrated approach to estate protection, combining manned guarding with cutting-edge technology. Dardan Security was appointed to deliver 391 weekly hours of security, covering manned guarding, mobile response, keyholding, access control, CCTV monitoring, and parking enforcement, alongside a strategic focus on innovation and collaboration.
Challenge
The client required a partner to move beyond reactive security measures and implement a forward-looking framework capable of:
- Ensuring a seamless 24/7, 365-day security provision across a diverse, high-traffic urban estate.
- Integrating manned guarding with advanced technology, including CCTV and access control.
- Supporting estate operations through a dedicated Security Manager, assisting with permit-to-work oversight, contractor management, traffic coordination, event support, estate presentation, and parking enforcement.
- Anticipating future regulatory requirements, such as Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty).
- Fostering collaboration between tenants, stakeholders, and security personnel to maintain a cohesive community.
The challenge demanded a partner able to combine operational excellence with innovation and a people-focused approach, while creating an estate-wide security culture aligned with the management’s vision.
Our Approach
Dardan applied its Stabilise – Challenge – Improve – Innovate framework to establish a robust and adaptable security provision:
Stabilise – A seamless contract transition ensured the estate had continuous protection from day one, establishing confidence among tenants and stakeholders.
Challenge – Existing security processes, technology, and staffing were thoroughly reviewed to identify opportunities for enhancement and efficiency.
Improve – New Standard Operating Procedures were introduced to optimise security routines. A dedicated Security Manager was recruited to oversee all security matters, coordinate with stakeholders, and lead the team.
Innovate – Advanced access control and CCTV systems were implemented across parking areas and communal spaces, offering 24/7 monitoring and remote oversight. A specialised anti-social behaviour unit was created, while electronic patrol and incident reporting via TrackTik improved efficiency and responsiveness. Security forums were established to ensure open communication between tenants, stakeholders, and security staff.
Impact
The security service has been transformed, creating a safer, more cohesive environment for all residents, tenants, and visitors:
- Seamless operations from day one, providing a stable platform for ongoing improvement.
- Enhanced security capabilities through upgraded access control, CCTV, and a dedicated Security Manager.
- Proactive community engagement, facilitated by security forums, team retraining, and the anti-social behaviour unit.
- Improved professionalism and approachability, supported by training, TrackTik deployment, and updated uniforms.
- Integrated, forward-looking security culture, enabling the client to meet current and future regulatory requirements and operational needs.
The partnership between Dardan and Managing Agent has fostered a strong, collaborative approach to estate security, combining operational excellence, innovation, and a people-first ethos to support their vision of a thriving, safe, and vibrant urban community.
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