Baldwin Boxall’s VIGIL2 PA/VA system has been specified as part of the Jockey Club’s £45m redevelopment of its flagship racecourse at Cheltenham. The redevelopment, which is currently under way with many of the areas outside the main grandstand completed, will increase capacity and provide state-of-the-art facilities; the work includes the demolition of the current royal box, which was built in 1952, and 55 other boxes built in the 1920s and 1930s.
Included within installer GBE Fire & Security’s scope of works is the installation of the new PA/VA system, disabled refuge and WC alarms throughout the grandstand and new boxes.
The Jockey Club’s objective is to have a PA/VA system that provides evacuation messages throughout the venue and sound reinforcement for the comprehensive AV system, which is spread over a large number of different zones. To meet the technically demanding specification, GBE performed extensive acoustic surveying and sampling to provide an accurate design. As a further challenge, the works are being undertaken while the racecourse is still functioning, which calls for well-organised programming and disciplined working.
On completion of the design, GBE decided to specify Baldwin Boxall’s VIGIL2 PA/VA system. GBE has been working with Baldwin Boxall for over 10 years (it is a Gold Status Customer), and was confident that its equipment would perform as required. GBE business development manager Paul Walsh said: “The level of service we receive from Baldwin Boxall from sales through to service including their technical information is industry leading. We have absolute confidence in using them on a high-profile project like Cheltenham Racecourse.”
Baldwin Boxall also enabled GBE to add value during the tender process; it has specified the Baldwin Boxall Omnicare system for the disabled refuge and WC alarms.
Works are due to be completed during the summer of 2015.
