Speed Gate Installation at BIMM University Bristol
Who Are BIMM University?
BIMM is a university specialising in the creative industries, with a particular focus on music, film and the performing arts.
At its Bristol site, the university already had access-controlled doors at the main entrance. However, the existing setup presented a common access control challenge: once an authorised student or member of staff had used their credentials to open the door, there was the potential for an additional person to enter behind them.
UK Turnstiles was brought in to provide a more controlled solution that could manage individual pedestrian entry without slowing down the students and staff who use the entrance every day.
With limited space available, the project also required a carefully designed speed gate installation that could provide the necessary security while fitting naturally into the existing entrance.
What Challenge Did BIMM University Face?
BIMM University already had an access control system in place, but controlling the door itself didn’t necessarily provide the level of control required over each person entering the building. For a busy university, the solution couldn’t simply make access more restrictive. Students and staff still needed to be able to enter quickly and conveniently throughout the day.
Space presented another challenge.
The dimensions of the existing entrance meant a standard speed gate configuration wasn’t the right fit. We therefore needed to find a way of introducing effective pedestrian access control without unnecessarily compromising the available space.
What Were UK Turnstiles' Goals for This Project?
Our objective was to create a secure and controlled entrance where authorised students and staff could continue moving into the building with ease and speed.
Rather than relying solely on the existing access-controlled doors, the new system would introduce individually controlled lanes at the entrance.
The solution needed to:
- Control pedestrian entry into the university.
- Integrate with Paxton access control.
- Allow students and staff to authenticate themselves quickly.
- Work within the limited space available.
- Provide high wings while maintaining reliable operation.
- Complement the appearance of the university entrance.
- Minimise disruption while the work was completed.
With those requirements established, we specified a twin-lane UKT-29 Compact Speed Gate system tailored to the available space.
Project Breakdown
The compact configuration allowed us to introduce a twin-lane entrance control system without requiring the space that a conventional configuration may have needed.
However, fitting the equipment into the available area was only one part of the solution.
The gates were specified with high wings to provide the level of physical separation required for the entrance. Upgraded motors were incorporated to accommodate the high wings and ensure the gates could operate effectively.
We also designed and supplied a bespoke floorplate specifically for the installation.
This allowed the complete speed gate turnstile system to be configured around the existing entrance rather than expecting the building to accommodate a standard off-the-shelf arrangement.
The result was a solution designed around BIMM University’s building, pedestrian requirements and available space
Integrating Paxton Access Control
Alongside the physical entrance control equipment, the new gates incorporated Paxton access control.
Paxton P50 MIFARE readers and Paxton controllers were installed as part of the system, allowing authorised users to present their credentials before passing through the gates.
This created a more controlled process for pedestrian entry.
Rather than authentication simply releasing a door through which several people could potentially move, the new security speed gates provide defined lanes through which access can be managed. Importantly, this was achieved without losing sight of the demands of a university environment.
Large numbers of students and staff can move through an entrance throughout the day, so the system needed to combine controlled access with a quick and straightforward user experience.
Making the Most of Limited Entrance Space
One of the most important elements of this project was making the system work within the space BIMM University already had.
Entrance control equipment shouldn’t be considered in isolation from the building around it. Available width, pedestrian flow, accessibility, existing infrastructure and the appearance of the entrance can all influence the most appropriate solution.
For BIMM, the restricted footprint meant our compact UKT-29 configuration was particularly well suited to the project.
By combining the compact gates with a bespoke floorplate, high wings and upgraded motors, we could tailor the installation around the physical constraints of the entrance while still providing the functionality the university required.
It’s a good example of why a successful speed gate installation starts with understanding the site rather than simply selecting a product.
Minimising Disruption to the University
As with any installation within an active education environment, careful consideration also needed to be given to when the work took place. We completed the installation on a Sunday, helping minimise disruption to the normal operation of the university.
Our engineers installed the twin-lane system, bespoke floorplate and associated access control equipment so the university could benefit from a modernised entrance designed for the demands of the site.
Products Used
- UKT-29 Compact Speed Gates
- Twin-lane speed gate configuration
- High wings
- Upgraded motors
- Bespoke floorplate
- Paxton P50 MIFARE readers
- Paxton controllers
Results
BIMM University Bristol now has a sleek, modern entrance control solution designed around both the security and practical requirements of the building. The twin-lane UKT-29 system provides greater control over individual pedestrian entry while allowing authorised students and staff to move through the entrance quickly.
Using compact units allowed us to overcome the limited space available, while the bespoke floorplate ensured the installation was tailored specifically to the existing entrance.
The high-wing configuration provides additional physical separation, supported by upgraded motors, while the integrated Paxton system gives the university a straightforward way of managing authorised access.
Most importantly, the finished installation addresses the limitation of relying on an access-controlled door alone by introducing controlled lanes for people entering the building.
The result is a stylish university access control system capable of meeting the demands of a busy higher education environment.
Planning a Speed Gate Installation?
Every entrance presents different challenges.
Sometimes the priority is managing high footfall. Sometimes it’s improving control over individual entry. And sometimes, as at BIMM University Bristol, the challenge is achieving both within a restricted amount of space.
At UK Turnstiles, we can design speed gate installations around the individual requirements of the building, combining entrance control equipment with access control technology to create a complete solution.
From compact configurations and bespoke floorplates to integrated Paxton access control, our team can help determine the right approach for your site.
If you’re considering upgrading the entrance control at your building, get in touch with UK Turnstiles to discuss your requirements.
Why did BIMM University choose UK Turnstiles?
With years of experience, UK Turnstiles is a trusted provider of Speed Gates across the UK. We provide expert support, fast turnaround times, and hassle-free installation.
Established Expertise
Years of experience supplying high security speedgates for businesses across the UK.
Tailored Solutions
A range of speedgate options designed for different security levels.
Advanced Access Control
Compatible with RFID, biometrics, QR codes, and mobile credentials.
Reliable & Long-Lasting
Built from stainless steel for durability and low maintenance.
Customer-Focused Service
UK-based support, expert advice, and fast delivery.