Project Overview
Mill Yard is a major development site in central Cambridge where Morgan Sindall is delivering a multi-residential complex as part of the city’s long-term urban regeneration strategy. Due to its scale, public proximity and high levels of operational activity, the site required a comprehensive, technology-led security and safety solution.
Morgan Sindall, one of Optimum Group’s valued long-term clients, engaged us to secure the full construction compound, protecting workers, assets and the public throughout each phase of development. In this urban location, close to public walkways and with multiple overlapping work zones, standard guarding approaches were insufficient. Optimum was selected to design and deploy an integrated solution combining AI-enabled surveillance, crane monitoring systems and traffic marshal support.
The Challenge
Several key challenges were identified at the Mill Yard site during the initial assessment:
- Crane Operations and Elevated Work Zones
Crane lifts, aerial logistics and operator visibility required continuous monitoring to address potential health and safety concerns and mitigate incident risk. - Traffic Movement and Site Access
A high frequency of vehicle and contractor movement necessitated oversight for deliveries, access points and potential interactions at pedestrian boundaries. - Public Proximity and Crime Risk
Located near populated areas, the site was exposed to potential trespassing, loitering and theft, particularly during out-of-hours periods. - Blind Spots and Line-of-Sight Restrictions
Temporary structures and the positioning of machinery created areas not easily visible to static security personnel, increasing the risk of missed incidents. - Health and Safety Hazards
During early works, issues such as exposed manholes and scattered equipment posed significant risks should unauthorised persons enter the site.
Our Solution
To address the above concerns, Optimum Group implemented a hybrid security infrastructure that operated seamlessly with site logistics:
- AI-Enabled CCTV Surveillance
A total of 25 high-definition, AI-equipped CCTV cameras were deployed around the perimeter, ensuring full coverage of the compound. An additional five cameras were installed around crane areas and staff cabins to specifically address health and safety oversight and activity in higher-risk zones. The cameras were weatherproof, vandal-resistant and connected using both hardwired and wireless bridge solutions in areas where cabling was not feasible. - Crane-Mounted Camera Systems
Fixed camera units were positioned strategically near crane cabins to provide clear views of lifts, loads, and operator behaviour. This ensured ground teams could monitor real-time movements and improved overall visibility for safety coordination. - Body-Worn Cameras for Traffic Marshals
Traffic marshals were equipped with body cameras to document vehicle movements and assist in investigating delivery disputes or safety breaches. - 24/7 Remote Monitoring and Virtual Guarding
All surveillance feeds were linked to Optimum’s Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), which monitored the site after office hours and throughout weekends. The ARC responded to alerts and suspicious activity in seconds, allowing for instant incident escalation. - Rapid Response and On-Site Engineering
Dedicated Optimum engineers were assigned to the site and available for callouts, ensuring that any technical issues were resolved promptly to maintain continuous protection. - Audio Challenge and Speaker Deterrent
Controllers at the ARC used audio speaker systems to challenge intruders in real time. This was highly effective in deterring loiterers and potential trespassers before escalation occurred.
Impact and Results
- Zero Post-Implementation Intrusions
Following the implementation of speaker challenges and AI surveillance, loitering incidents – including early cases involving teenagers – were reduced to zero. This directly prevented potential injuries and site disruptions. - Increased Operator and Ground Crew Safety
Real-time crane monitoring helped ensure safer lift operations and compliance with safety procedures, reducing risk to both crane operators and site teams. - Enhanced Oversight and Incident Response
The ARC’s ability to monitor live feeds and respond immediately meant that incidents could be addressed without delay, even when no personnel were on site. - Greater Confidence Across Teams
Both client management and subcontractors reported improved confidence in the safety and security of the site, which contributed positively to daily operations and morale. - Operational Continuity Maintained
The early deterrence and live monitoring system ensured no major delays were caused by theft or unauthorised access, helping the project stay on track.
Conclusion
The Mill Yard development demonstrates how modern construction projects demand integrated, intelligent security solutions. By tailoring a hybrid model combining AI surveillance, crane zone oversight and remote deterrence systems, Optimum Group delivered a robust setup that protected personnel, safeguarded assets, and ensured peace of mind across the site. As Morgan Sindall continues its phased delivery in Cambridge, Optimum remains a trusted security partner supporting both safety and operational performance.
