Axis Security protects Southbank Place
James Thorpe
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A team of 24/7 security officers provided by Axis Security, a provider of bespoke security services, is helping to secure Southbank Place, a landmark 5.4 acre commercial, residential, retail and leisure development in the heart of London.
Joint venture developers Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar are working together to revitalise the area with high-quality architecture and much improved public spaces.
The team of 16 officers, handpicked by Axis Security, are responsible for patrolling public spaces, including an underground network connecting buildings, as well performing loading bay vehicle checks and managing contractors’ access to buildings that are still undergoing fit out and works.
Jason Collett, Estates Manager Southbank Place Management, says it was looking for a five-star service expected from residents, commercial tenants and public:
“Our experience managing Canary Wharf and other central London developments has demonstrated the importance of a security team that is highly vigilant in respect of its high-profile location, and also able to deliver a premium customer service to tenants and visitors of this iconic tourist location.”
In a competitive tender, Axis was chosen on the basis of its previous experience of taking developments from the construction to operational phase, with Rathbone Square and St James Market as prominent examples: “Opening a development on this scale is not without its challenges,” explains Jason. “Axis Security’s experience with projects of this type meant it had processes in place to mitigate these challenges.”
Jason adds that mobilisation went very well: “The officers have had a notable positive ‘can do’ attitude that is a credit to themselves and Axis Security management. The account manager is regularly on site providing an excellent service and ensuring a smooth delivery.”
Gary Stanton, Axis Group Commercial Director, says the contract requires a partnership approach: “Canary Wharf Management is taking responsibility for the management and training of the officers, so it has been our role to understand their management structures and undertake a significant induction process to ensure all teams understand deliverables.
“We are extremely pleased to be supporting such a high-profile development and look forward to further supporting the Canary Wharf Group throughout the development’s opening.”
Canary Wharf Group is an established integrated property development, investment, and management group of companies. It is focused on the design, construction, leasing and management of grade A office space, high-quality retail, leisure and residential in central London.
Axis Security has been awarded the 2018 Security Guarding of the Year Award in the 2018 Security and Fire Excellence Awards.
