Spencer Close, a private residential development in Finchley, North London, comprises six apartment blocks housing 109 flats, plus a dedicated concierge outbuilding. This managed community is overseen by an association of flat owners, with decisions made by an elected board. The development's residents rightly expect a secure and seamless access experience that matches the quality of their homes and lifestyle.
Over time, Spencer Close’s legacy intercom and access control systems had become outdated and unreliable. Facing rising complaints and mounting maintenance costs, the residents’ association made the decision to overhaul the system. They turned to Galician Security, a trusted installer of advanced access and surveillance solutions, to deliver a futureproofed, high-performance upgrade using Hikvision’s cutting-edge IP intercom technology.
“The old system was failing in every way,” says Alex Diaz, Director at Galician Security. “Video dropout, poor audio, failing locks, and fob issues were all regular complaints. Our goal was to provide a new solution that offered real reliability, improved performance, and future flexibility.”
The Challenge
The existing system at Spencer Close had reached a critical point of degradation. Residents frequently encountered poor video quality, muffled or broken audio, and unreliable door lock releases. Administrative difficulties also plagued the fob management system, making it time-consuming and frustrating to add or deactivate users. This created day-to-day frustrations for everyone: residents, guests, delivery drivers, and especially the site management team, which bore the brunt of complaints.
Additionally, repair and maintenance costs were escalating. “It was costing them thousands of pounds just to keep the old system going,” says Diaz. “It was clear that the technology needed to be brought up to modern standards.”
However, upgrading a system in a live residential environment came with a number logistical and technical hurdles. Firstly, although the existing cabling infrastructure was assumed to be reusable, Galician discovered severe degradation in every block.
In addition, cable routes ran in unexpected configurations, not through the typical floor-to-floor risers, making upgrades complex.
Replacing the outdoor intercom stations risked leaving visible holes or requiring costly custom backplates, and any downtime needed to be minimised to avoid prolonged inconvenience to residents.
The Solution
Galician Security proposed a comprehensive solution built on Hikvision’s IP intercom platform—designed to offer reliable performance, elegant design, and integration flexibility.
“We recommended replacing the entire cabling infrastructure with new Ethernet lines,” says Diaz. “That gave us a clean foundation for deploying a robust IP system that not only solved today’s issues, but was also futureproof for whatever the residents may need next.”
In partnership with Hikvision, Galician devised a solution which included several key components.
Each building received a modular Hikvision outdoor intercom station built from the following Hikvision models:
- DS-KD8003-IME1(B): Main video intercom module with high-resolution camera
- DS-KD-KP(S): Keypad module for secure PIN access
- DS-KD-KK(S) (x3): Call button modules for direct apartment calling
- DS-KD-M: Integrated proximity reader module
- Blank module for symmetrical design and flexibility
The new modular stations matched the size of the old flush-mounted units, eliminating the need for custom backplates and saving on installation costs. Integrated proximity readers replaced previously separate access readers, cleaning up the building entrances aesthetically and functionally. So far, this modular entry set-up has been completed on four of the six Spencer Close residential buildings.
Inside, every apartment was fitted with a DS-KH6320-EU 7-inch touchscreen indoor station. These provide a high resolution display, clear, amplified audio, simple one touch control and reliable communication with both the outdoor stations and the concierge station.
At the concierge outbuilding, a DS-KM9503 touchscreen master station was installed. This unit features a 10-inch high resolution touchscreen, integrated microphone and speaker, telephone handset for private conversations with residents, and real time access to all intercom stations onsite.
“The concierge unit now gives staff complete two-way communication with all apartments, and residents can call down just as easily,” Diaz explains. “It’s simple, powerful, and gives the team exactly what they needed.”
The system was pre-configured using Hikvision’s HiTools Delivery Tool and is now centrally managed through HikCentral software.
This offers the Spencer Close management team a unified platform for both intercom and access control management, real-time monitoring and user database control, and the future potential to integrate CCTV into the same platform for a more comprehensive site management solution.
“HikCentral gave us the confidence to deliver not just an intercom, but a scalable platform for long-term building management,” says Diaz.
Results
The results of the new installation have been immediate and widely appreciated by both residents and management. According to Galician, resident satisfaction is high, thanks to improved video and audio clarity and simplified access for both residents and guests.
Maintenance callouts have dropped significantly, reducing costs and saving time for the management team. Entry reliability has improved dramatically, with door locks functioning as intended and fob registration now quick and seamless. And the new concierge system has enhanced day-to-day communication, improving resident service and on-site coordination.
“Residents are pleased with the renewed convenience and a system that just works,” says Diaz. “From the moment we commissioned the new network, the difference was night and day.”
Beyond performance, the visual upgrade has also been well received. The sleek, flush-mounted Hikvision outdoor stations blend seamlessly with the building’s design, and the removal of cluttered external readers has improved the overall appearance of the entrances.
The success of the Spencer Close upgrade provides a blueprint for other multi-dwelling residential developments facing similar issues with legacy intercom and access systems.
“This wasn’t just about replacing broken kit,” Diaz explains. “It was about delivering a smarter, cleaner, future-ready system that can scale and evolve.”
Galician Security’s approach – replacing degraded cabling, using modular Hikvision equipment, and leveraging advanced software like HikCentral – can be applied to a multitude of scenarios, such as:
- Other private residential blocks and gated communities
- Local authority housing providers looking to modernise access control
- Student accommodation, retirement homes, or co-living spaces
- Commercial buildings with concierge or reception access points
With scalable hardware, centralised management, and high resident satisfaction, this solution balances cost-efficiency, functionality, and resident experience.
Through a thoughtful combination of expert design, quality installation, and the trusted technology of Hikvision, Galician Security has successfully revitalised the access control and intercom infrastructure at Spencer Close. The project highlights how modern IP-based systems can enhance daily life for residents, simplify building management, and cut long-term costs.
“We were proud to deliver a solution that exceeded expectations,” Diaz says. “The residents now have a reliable system they can trust, and that’s ultimately what this is all about.”
https://galicianss.co.uk/
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