20-22 Ropemaker Street London | On-Site Security Radios

20-22 Ropemaker Street London – Radio Solutions for On-Site Security

The Challenge

In anticipation of potential signal issues given the size of the building and its location surrounded by dozens of similarly tall, large-scale developments, the security tender specified the need for IP-ready communication devices that could run on 4G LTE and WiFi.

Brentwood was appointed before the building was completed, meaning that recommendations for devices and any supporting equipment had to be made ahead of final assessment of the site.

20 and 22 Ropemaker Street is a major commercial development in the City of London. Located just north of Moorgate Station and a couple of blocks away from the Barbican Centre, the 27-storey building was opened in 2024, providing 450,000ft² of prime office space.

Bidvest Noonan is a leading facilities management services provider and a specialist in tall building security. The company was awarded the contract to manage security at 20 and 22 Ropemaker Street ahead of the building’s completion. In 2023. Bidvest Noonan contracted Brentwood Communications to supply radios for on-site security and building management teams.

Our Solution

The Solution

In response to the request for a communications solution that ran on mobile internet and WiFi, we recommended the IDARO push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) system.

IDARO is an intelligent software platform that seamlessly merges the ‘push-to-talk’ ease and dependability of conventional two-way radio with the extensive reach of mobile networks – hence, ‘push-to-talk over cellular’. IDARO is installed as an app on suitable devices and, via a SIM card, enables communication via 4G LTE mobile networks, as well WiFi.

For the devices themselves, we recommended the Hytera PNC380. A purpose-built PoC handset, the PNC380 is tough, functional and flexible, combining a prominent push-to-talk button with full keypad and screen in a compact, ergonomic design

Brentwood carried out extensive site surveys during the build phase of the development to provide the best indication possible about how the IDARO-loaded PNC380s would function. But as building management wanted comms in place as soon as the building was completed, final technical configuration had to wait.

Our engineering team spent several weeks on site after the first batch of handsets was delivered to set up IP ports to connect the radios to networks, provide general technical support and troubleshoot issues as they occurred, such as hand-off delays as the radios switched from WiFi to 4G and vice versa.

Outcome

An initial delivery of 30 PNC380 handsets was eventually expanded to 45 in total. The radios are used by Bidvest Noonan’s on-site security team, as well as by cleaning staff, reception, maintenance teams and more. The radios have been configured with separate channels for each team, as well as an overarching safety and security incident channel which is used to manage evacuation procedures and emergency coordination.

Joe Wise, Head of Security at 20 and 22 Ropemaker Street, said: “After the initial phase of working with Brentwood to iron out various issues, the performance of the radios has been excellent. We’ve had a few breakages as they get knocked about day to day, but Brentwood have repaired them in a timely fashion and we’ve now bought protective cases for all handsets.

“We have built a great relationship with the Brentwood team. They offer great support backed up by great communication. They’re always happy to come on site to get to the bottom of issues. They are very engaged in the service they provide and there are no negatives at all.”