Griffin House, West Croydon

The Development

Griffin House is a modern residential development located in the heart of West Croydon, London. Constructed in the early 1980s, the property comprises 53 flats—primarily two-bedroom homes—across a four and five-storey structure. 

The building is home to a mix of private leaseholders and residents, managed by SCCI Alphatrack (SCCIA) partner, Southern Housing, one of the UK’s largest housing associations and a key driver of the building’s ongoing maintenance and improvement initiatives.

The Project

In conjunction with a wider fire safety and cladding remediation programme at Griffin House, Southern Housing appointed SCCI Alphatrack to upgrade the site’s gate automation system, looking to improve both resident safety and long-term operational reliability.

The Challenge

The existing gate automation system presented multiple issues:

• It had been damaged by a vehicle and was operating erratically.
• The system used an outdated, unsupported brand with no access to replacement parts or technical support.
• Critically, the system did not comply with current safety standards, creating a potential risk to residents and visitors.

With these challenges in mind, a complete replacement was required to ensure compliance, security, and long-term functionality.

The Delivery

SCCI Alphatrack commenced the project with a detailed on-site assessment, identifying all shortcomings of the current system. Based on the findings, a full replacement and upgrade plan was developed and executed. Key works included:

• Installation of new gate leaves, replacing the damaged physical infrastructure.
• Deployment of a robust BFT automation system, offering long-term reliability and manufacturer support.
• Switch to surface-mounted gate operators, replacing problematic underground units to simplify future maintenance.
• Upgrade of all safety equipment, ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations.
• System certification, including CE marking, force testing, and provision of full OIM (Operation, Installation, and Maintenance) documentation.

The Result

The upgraded system at Griffin House now delivers consistent and safe performance, marking a significant improvement over the previous installation. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced resident safety, thanks to fully compliant safety mechanisms and up-to-date equipment.
• Improved reliability, with reduced risk of malfunction and downtime.
• Easier maintenance, enabled by the use of surface operators with accessible components.
• Long-term support, secured through BFT’s well-established product ecosystem and availability of spare parts.
• Full regulatory compliance, evidenced by CE marking and detailed technical documentation.

SCCI Alphatrack is proud to have delivered a solution that not only meets today’s safety and operational standards but also supports long-term value for Griffin House and its residents.

By replacing an unsupported system with a robust BFT solution and implementing essential safety upgrades, SCCI Alphatrack provided the client with a long-term, compliant, and efficient gate system.