PSSA Newsletter - Issue 26

NEWS  |  ISSUE 26 – 14 – Newsletter sponsor: www.highwaycare.com Prominent HVM at flagship Dubai Arena Dubai Arena opened ahead of schedule last summer, the emirate’s latest mega project in the run-up to this year’s World Expo in Dubai. The multipurpose indoor arena, officially named the Coca-Cola Arena after a ten-year deal with the fizzy drinks giant, can house an audience of 17,000 on four levels spanning half-a-million square feet. It will host sports events, concerts, comedy, live theatre, conferences, galas and weddings in the heart of a luxury shopping and dining destination. It’s just one of many projects the emirate is completing in the lead- up to this year’s World Expo in Dubai, which runs from October 2020 to April 2021, and will attract a predicted 25 million visitors. With the fear of random acts of terror rife in architects’minds, they have given intimate consideration to the perimeter security around the arena. In particular, the threat of vehicle borne attacks in cities across the globe has led to an increased use of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures such as PAS68 and IWA14 bollards, barriers and other blocking equipment. Indeed, the whole City Walk zone has been planned as a pedestrianised oasis with no parking offered for the Dubai Arena’s regular paying punters, who are being directed to alternative modes of transport than the car. ASGC, Meraas’main construction contractor, invited tenders for the overall street furniture and perimeter protection package, which included a combination of 600 static and removable PAS68 bollards. Northern Ireland’s Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) won the contract after much negotiation to install the PAS68 perimeter security bollards alongside more than 100 benches, tree protection, litter bins and cycle parking. ESF turned to British manufacturer Eagle Automation, with over 30 years’ experience, as its supply partner for the PAS68 products. PSSA member Eagle formed a perimeter design, combining numerous products to meet the multi-layered HVM requirement of the high profile, high footfall arena akin to other comparable sites of critical national infrastructure. The PAS68 standard ensured products underwent vehicular impact testing and have proven ability as a vehicle security barrier against an assessed threat. The products are installed in accordance with accompanying PAS69 guidance, supervised by ESF’s team of trained operatives. The bollards form a highly visible security deterrent all in the same shroud, so they all look identical, although different ratings and specifications were used dependent on specific threats and needs. ESF managing director Alan Lowry said: “A greater focus is being placed on perimeter security across the globe due to the increase of attacks, especially where large crowds gather. “We have been very fortunate to deliver a number of projects across the UAE in recent years with our street, themed and solar powered products, including IMG Worlds of Adventure, Warner Brothers Park and Global Village. We are hopeful to continue that growth throughout the UAE and Middle East in the years ahead.” ESF turned to Eagle Automation as its supply partner for the PAS68 products.