London’s historic theatre finds wireless protection solution for fire safety

The Harold Pinter Theatre, a Victorian marvel nestled on Panton Street, Westminster, has embraced advanced wireless protection in the form of a fire system equipped with more than 100 devices from Apollo’s REACH range.

The theatre, dating back to 1881, is well-known for its preserved three-level horseshoe auditorium that can seat 796 spectators.

Not only is the theatre one of London’s finest preserved Victorian buildings, but it also holds an esteemed spot in the city’s West End theatre scene.

Balancing heritage with modern fire safety using wireless protection

The task of preserving a listed building while incorporating a state-of-the-art fire system has been challenging. However, wireless fire devices have brought about significant changes.

Sam Robinson, Project Manager at Barlows (UK) Ltd., pointed out: “Working with the theatre management and Apollo, we specified and installed a system with 110 wireless devices connected to four hubs.”

The benefits of the REACH wireless protection range

REACH’s wireless fire tech takes safety measures to a higher level. It solves complex installation scenarios, particularly for buildings with complex access, such as listed buildings.

Furthermore, its battery life of up to five years and advanced RF communications capability make it an ideal choice. REACH can also function as a standalone wireless system or as part of a hybrid network with both wires and wireless devices.

Craig Mole, Product Manager – Wireless at Apollo, stated: “The Harold Pinter Theatre is exactly the sort of building where wireless fire technology comes into its own.

“Not only is it simpler and quicker to install, but it also reduces cabling by up to 90 percent, resulting in less impact on the building and less need to make good once the installation is complete.”

Apollo’s mission to deliver wireless protection around the world

Apollo, a company dedicated to ensuring fire safety worldwide, specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality fire detection solutions.

Since launching its XPander wireless range in 2008, the company expanded with the enhanced REACH Wireless range in 2022.

Barnaby Hallam, Technical and Building Manager at the Harold Pinter Theatre, said: “Working with the Apollo team, we were able to tick all the boxes and the finished system is doubly impressive, being both fit for purpose and also much less intrusive than the old wired network.”

Based in Havant, Hampshire, Apollo works through regional offices in the UK, China, Dubai, and Germany, supporting a network of partners and distributors on all five continents.

Since 1983, Apollo has been a part of Halma plc, a FTSE 100-listed group of life-saving technology companies.

IFSJ Comment

This advancement in the protection of historic structures represents an essential step in ensuring safety while respecting architectural integrity. The adoption of wireless protection by such a significant theatre in London underscores the importance and effectiveness of such systems in preserving heritage buildings.

About Apollo

Apollo is a world leader in fire safety solutions, dedicated to protecting people from fire every second of every day. The company has pioneered several innovative wireless protection technologies, including the XPander and the REACH range, ensuring efficient fire safety measures in over 100 countries around the world.