A new multi-million pound leisure centre owned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been pronounced safe – thanks to a partnership approach with Secur-It specifying Comelit-PAC’s integrated solution.

The new £26m Marina Centre leisure complex on the town’s seafront, was designed to replace the old 1980s built centre. With work starting in January 2021, it reopened in August 2022.

Operated by Freedom Leisure, the new facility boasts a six-lane swimming pool, learner pool and aqua play area with flumes, a 120-station gym, a four court sports hall, 10m indoor climbing zone, three studios and community spaces.

Freedom Leisure Area Manager Martin Marsh said: “The opening of our new centre is a very exciting chapter for Great Yarmouth, and a significant investment that we are thrilled to present to our guests.

“Whilst its core objective is to offer the latest and greatest facilities; it’s integral that it can be enjoyed in a fire safe and secure environment.

“We worked in partnership with the main contractors, right from the early stages of the design, and specification of fire safety was a key priority.

“The team could offer advice, recommendations and practical support on how and where to install measures to blend with their surroundings, without affecting the experience for our staff and guests.”

Security and safety is one of the biggest challenges presented to large leisure complexes, to enable balancing a welcoming and open environment that doesn’t compromise on the safety or security of guests.

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Main contractors Morgan Sindall worked with Secur-It right from initial design processes to incorporate Comelit-PAC’s fire safety solutions. This included integrating the fire safety with the access control, turnstile and security services alongside the PA system.

Arnaud Marosi, Secur It Commercial Director added: “By specifying Comelit-PAC at The Marina Centre, we could present a fire system that balances offering a high performance life safety solution, without interfering with the natural flow of a busy leisure centre.

“With excellent technical support available, we were able to integrate seamlessly with the security and PA system to enable staff to speed up response time and advise guests about the safest emergency route.

“We could also install around the facilities without impacting on look or feel. The result is a wonderful example of a new complex that is already making a big impact on its community, secure in the knowledge it’s doing so with all due care and attention to fire safety.”

In total, for the Marina Leisure Centre complex, the 20 zone fire safety system specified from Comelit-PAC included a 4 loop addressable panel, a repeater and 383 devices which included detectors, call points, sounders and visual alarm devices.

Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager said: “By considering the fire detection and alarm systems early in the programme of works, we could specify a tailor made, integrated and inclusive solution without impacting on its function, aesthetics or appearance.

“The result once installed is so much more than a safe and secure leisure centre, but also a fantastic facility for residents’ health and wellbeing, and for the visitors to Great Yarmouth to enjoy.”