HE/FE NEWS Birmingham City University invests in smarter campus
BCU is home to over 31,000 students from more than 100 countries, making it one of the largest and most diverse universities in the UK. The access control system upgrade will be implemented across its two city centre campuses, benefitting thousands of students, visitors and staff.
The new security system is designed to future-proof BCU’s infrastructure, ensuring resilience, compliance, and an elevated standard of safety. The upgrade will enable BCU to transition to app- based digital technology and support its sustainability goals. North’s integrated solution will seamlessly combine the new access control system with existing platforms, such as student records. This integration will streamline operations and enhance security features, while providing valuable data and analytics for university staff, including insights on student accommodation occupancy and attendance metrics.
North, a leading provider of smart technology solutions, has been awarded a million-pound contract to deliver a smart access control system at Birmingham City University (BCU).
The £1m initial investment represents the university’s first step in becoming a smarter campus, enhancing security, sustainability, and the student experience. Following a highly competitive tender process, North will design an innovative new security access control solution using Genetec technology, which will replace BCU’s current system, which is nearing end of life.
The new access control system will also contribute to compliance with emerging legislation, including Martyn’s Law, by ensuring the university meets safety requirements.
Nick Moore, Director of IT and Digital at BCU, said: “This partnership with North signals our commitment to building campuses that are ready for the future. We’re not just upgrading security; we’re reimagining how people move through and engage with our spaces. North brings the innovation and experience we need to accelerate our shift toward a smart, data-driven environment that supports sustainability and enhances safety.”
Construction recruitment drive sees students explore QMUL redevelopment
Students have been given a behind-the-scenes tour of a multi-million- pound university redevelopment in London’s East End as part of a major drive to attract more young people into the construction industry. The leading representative body for the sector, Build UK, and major contractor Willmott Dixon hosted the visit at the £48.8 million project to provide a new home for Queen Mary University of London’s School of Business and Management, which is set to complete in 2027. The seven- storey development will offer high-quality, flexible learning and teaching spaces, whilst contributing to the wider enhancement of Mile End Road and the improvement of public spaces.
During the visit, the group of Construction Management students from the Global Banking School, which has campuses across London, heard about the different roles involved in the project before changing into PPE to see the site in action.
The event was an exclusive preview for Open Doors 2026, which will be delivered by Build UK between 23 and 28 March and see organisations across the UK hosting free tours of their sites and workplaces to inspire young people and those seeking a career change to choose construction.
Open Doors 2025 attracted a record 7,000 visitors and comes as the industry needs to recruit around 50,000 extra workers each year to meet demand for housing, infrastructure and maintenance, according to the CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook report.
Tamsin Parkes, Open Doors Project Manager at Build UK, said: “Open Doors is a fantastic way for schools and colleges to demonstrate that they are meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks by providing an opportunity to see the construction industry in action.
“For today’s students, their visit has helped not only to affirm their career aspirations but given real world context to their studies. There is a career in construction for everybody, and Open Doors is a first step for young people to explore what the industry has to offer.”
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www.education-today.co.uk December 2025
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