Fire & Security Systems for The Department (Shademakers), Cross Street, Ryde

Client Overview■

The Department, also known as Shademakers, is a creative organisation renowned for producing large‑scale artistic structures and performance pieces. As part of their continued growth, the company relocated to a new premises on Cross Street, Ryde, requiring a full transformation of the building to meet their operational needs and the required safety standards.

Project Background■

The building underwent an extensive six‑month renovation, during which The Department appointed Lifeline as their specialist consultants, designers, and installers for all Fire and Security Systems across the site.

The brief required a complete end‑to‑end solution, covering consultation, system design, installation, and commissioning, all tailored to Shademakers’ unique operational environment and compliance needs.

Scope of Works■

Lifeline delivered a comprehensive integrated safety and security package, including:

Intruder Alarm System
Custom‑designed to protect high‑value assets and sensitive creative works.
CCTV System
A network of strategically positioned high‑definition cameras providing internal and external coverage for enhanced security and monitoring.
Access Control System
Bespoke access management across key areas, ensuring only authorised personnel could enter workshop zones, storage areas, and administrative spaces.

Fire Alarm & Detection System
A fully compliant, modern detection system designed around the building layout, covering workshops, studios, offices, and communal zones.
Disabled Refuge System
Ensuring safe evacuation procedures and accessibility compliance for all building users.

Client Requirements■

The Department had several specific operational and functional requirements, including:

Systems that complemented the building’s creative working environment, met all building control requirements and matched the suitability of the client.
High reliability with minimal disruption during ongoing works within extremely time pressured delivery phase.
Compliance with all relevant British Standards, Police, Fire & Rescue Service and Insurance Company requirements.
A unified approach to Fire and Security systems across the premises, proving ease of operation, flexibility during performances and failsafe methods to revert to full protection out of operating hours.
Full alignment with renovation timelines and budget constraints

Lifeline worked closely with the client and other contractors throughout the project to ensure every requirement was understood, planned for, and delivered to specification.

Outcome■

Lifeline successfully delivered all systems on time and within budget, while meeting every technical and operational requirement set by the client. The Department now benefits from a fully integrated, robust, and future‑proof Fire and Security infrastructure designed to protect both people and assets.

The collaboration ensured the newly refurbished Cross Street premises is safe, compliant, and equipped to support The Department’s creative and operational activities for years to come.

Summary■

The project demonstrated Lifeline’s capability to manage complex, multi‑system installations within a live renovation environment while maintaining excellent communication, technical precision, and project reliability.