WaterMarc optimises lobby security with Centurion EasyGate

Five lanes of Centurion EasyGate and SwingGate from Centaman Entrance Control have been installed at Banyule City Council's new WaterMarc multi activity regional centre.

The largest aquatic and recreation facility in Melbourne's outer north-eastern suburbs and home to the premier gym and indoor swimming pool in the area with a wide range of fitness classes and training programs, the $42 million WaterMarc is a leader in the provision of recreation and wellness services with facilities that will continue to deliver excellent results and service for all that visit.

Part of the requirement for WaterMarc was for the membership system to provide an efficient access control solution to its members and those purchasing a casual visit while balancing the need to maintain open and friendly community spaces.

WaterMarc evaluated a number of different turnstile solutions in its effort to balance not only the budget, but to maximise efficiency, provide the best visitor experience all while maintaining the high level of aesthetic design evident throughout the facility.

In the end it was decided that a speedgate with glass barriers which opened in a user-friendly 'door like' motion was the best solution.

The Centurion EasyGate SG from Centaman Entrance Control was selected as the product that best matched their requirements.

EasyGate SG uses glass barriers in conjunction with state-of-the-art optical technology to provide a high throughput security gate. The bi-directional glass barriers are designed to work in a 'normally closed' mode and open after a valid card has been presented to allow the authorised user to pass.

The barriers are designed to close quickly behind the authorised person to deter 'tailgaters' whie the IR sensors monitor the lane to detect unauthorised entry and ensure the safety of users. The barriers open in a door like motion which enables the pedestal to be only 200mm wide and the same slim pedestal can be used in wide DDA compliant lanes which ensures the turnstiles have a minimal visual impact to distract from the overall building design.

The Centaman membership system has been integrated with the turnstiles to provide a turnkey solution. Members are provided with either a RFID wristband or card, while casual entrants receive a low cost bar coded ticket. When a member or ticket holder scans their card at the turnstile it's automatically checked to see if it is valid at that time. If so, the EasyGate SG quickly opens to provide a clear lane for easy 'hands free' access. The addition of a SwingGate lane, next to reception, provides entry for family groups and wheelchair access while there is a dedicated lane at the opposite end utilising another SwingGate linked to an AutoSensor that automatically opens for people exiting.

Banyule City Council Leisure Facilities Co-Coordinator Tom Zapulla explains "as many WaterMarc members carry sports bags and other items we definitely wanted a hands free solution for the turnstiles. But, of course, with the high number of visitors we have coming each day we wanted it to be quick and efficient as well. The EasyGate barriers fulfil these requirements and blend perfectly with the foyer surroundings."

For more information call Sydney-based Centaman Systems on 02 9906 7522 or visit www.entrancecontrol.com.au

Centaman also has regional offices in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and New Zealand.

5th September 2012 - BANYULE CITY COUNCIL OPENS WATERMARC FACILITY