Coventry College Speed Gate Installation Case Study

Enhancing Student Flow and Campus Security with Evolve PG300 Speed Gates

As one of the UK's leading further education providers, Coventry College continues to invest in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment for its students, staff and visitors. Following a significant increase in student numbers, the college identified the need to improve pedestrian flow across multiple entrances while making better use of its existing entrance control equipment.

Working in partnership with Coventry College, Evolve Security Products designed and supplied a flexible entrance control solution using our PG300 Speed Gates, helping to increase capacity, improve security and future-proof the college's access control infrastructure.

The upgrade was completed by our approved installation partner, Willings Services Ltd. Working closely with Evolve Security Products, Willings carried out the installation, commissioning and final testing, ensuring the project was delivered to the highest standard while minimising disruption during the college's holiday period.

The Challenge

Coventry College had experienced continued growth in student enrolment, placing greater demand on its existing entrance control systems during busy arrival and departure periods.

The college required a solution that would:

• Increase the number of pedestrian lanes
• Improve student flow throughout the campus
• Reduce congestion at key entrances
• Reconfigure existing entrance layouts
• Reuse existing speed gate equipment where possible
• Minimise disruption by completing works during holiday periods

Rather than replacing the entire system, the college wanted to maximise the value of its existing investment by relocating several existing speed gates while expanding capacity in the busiest areas.

Understanding the Site

Following an initial site survey, our engineering team worked alongside Coventry College and Willings Services Ltd to assess the existing entrance control layouts.

Several design proposals were produced covering four different entrance locations across both the North and South Buildings. Each proposal carefully considered pedestrian traffic patterns, available space, accessibility requirements and future expansion.

By working closely with the client throughout the design phase, the final layouts were agreed before installation commenced during the college holiday period, allowing the works to be completed with minimal disruption to students and staff.

The Solution

Evolve supplied additional PG300 Speed Gates, while carefully integrating and relocating existing equipment to create a completely redesigned entrance control system.

The project included:

• Installation of additional PG300 Speed Gates
• Relocation of existing speed gates
• New pedestrian lane configurations
• Improved reception layouts
• Increased throughput across multiple entrances
• Integration with the college's existing access control system
• Reconfiguration of both North and South Building entrances

The modular design of the Evolve system enabled the installation team to create a solution that significantly increased capacity while reducing the amount of new equipment required.

A Flexible Future-Proof Design

One of the biggest advantages of the Evolve PG300 Speed Gate system is its flexibility.

Using our modular cabinets and freestanding walkway plinth system, existing equipment could be relocated without extensive building alterations. This allowed Coventry College to create additional entrance lanes while maintaining the flexibility to adapt layouts again in the future as the campus continues to evolve.

This approach reduced costs, shortened installation time and provided a future-proof entrance control solution that can grow alongside the college.

Professional Installation

The installation was delivered by Willings Services Ltd, one of Evolve Security Products' approved installation partners with over 35 years of experience installing, servicing and maintaining pedestrian entrance control systems throughout the UK.

Working alongside Evolve's technical team, Willings managed:

• Site preparation
• Removal and relocation of existing equipment
• Installation of new speed gates
• Electrical and access control integration
• System commissioning
• Functional testing
• Final handover to the client

Completing the project during the college's holiday period ensured the upgraded entrance control system was fully operational before students returned.

Results

The completed project delivered significant operational improvements across the campus.

Improved Student Flow

Additional entrance lanes reduced congestion during peak arrival and departure times, creating a smoother and more efficient experience for students and staff.

Increased Security

The upgraded entrance control system provides secure controlled access while maintaining high throughput during busy periods.

Maximising Existing Assets

By relocating existing speed gates instead of replacing them, Coventry College maximised its previous investment while expanding the overall system.

Future Expansion

The modular design allows future layout changes to be completed quickly should the college expand further.

Customer Feedback

"We are very impressed with the speed gates. Since they were first installed in 2018 they have endured a great deal of daily use from the students. The installation process from start to finish has been excellent, and the different layout drawings were extremely helpful. The free-standing walkways have enabled us to make many changes to the layouts."

Why Choose Evolve Security Products?

Evolve Security Products designs and manufactures premium pedestrian entrance control solutions for education, commercial offices, healthcare, government, leisure and transport sectors throughout the UK and internationally.

Our open-protocol systems integrate with leading access control manufacturers and are supplied through a nationwide network of approved installation partners, ensuring every project is professionally delivered from design through to commissioning and ongoing support.

Whether you require a single speed gate or a complete campus-wide entrance control solution, our experienced technical team can help specify the right system for your application.

Planning an Education Entrance Control Project?

If you're looking to improve security, increase pedestrian throughput or upgrade an existing entrance control system, Evolve Security Products can help.

Our team provides:

• Free technical advice
• Site surveys
• System design
• CAD layout drawings
• Product specification
• Nationwide installation through our approved partner network
• Technical support and aftercare

Contact Evolve Security Products today to discuss your next education entrance control project.