When the decision was made to refurbish the GNCC on the National Grid’s Warwick site, proAV was commissioned by Overbury to work with the client to design and install a professional, integrated audio visual system across a number of areas in the upgraded building. A central control room, training facility, Incident Room, day office/collaboration area, Visitor Experience Centre, breakout areas and various meeting room spaces represented the key areas covered within this extensive scheme.

A key feature of the control room technology includes a 7x2 array of Christie 70” DLP rear projection cubes designed for 24/7 operation, a projection system and 84” Smart interactive LED display in the training facility, LED displays, digital signage and IPTV in the collaboration area and LED displays, IPTV, projection and HD video conferencing in the Incident Room. 

The technologies that feature throughout the new Gas Network Control Centre are highlighted below:

• A range of LFD screens and interactive technology, central matrix for signal switching and distribution
• HD Panasonic and Optoma projection systems
• Christie full HD 7x2 large format video wall
• Floor projection systems
• Custom built AV furniture
• Dual Christie video wall display processors for total redundancy
• TriplePlay digital signage and IPTV
• Crestron control systems and infrastructure, including wired and wireless touch panels
• Barco ClickShare wireless presentation
• IP cameras and audio system for training
• Surround sound audio system in the control room
• Cisco HD video conferencing

The National Grid’s new mission-critical facility at the Warwick site is the only one of its kind in the UK and demanded high standards of design and project delivery. Notably, working within a construction environment meant the team had to develop a flexible and adaptable approach to ensure the AV solution was installed on time, with no risk of delay to the overall programme. This was achieved through the implementation of a three-phase handover with the client. The core infrastructure, in particular, required careful consideration to ensure it had complete redundancy and failover so the central control room video wall would be operational 24 hours a day.

Prior to installation, manufacturer workshops were arranged for the client and contractor to select and develop the most appropriate products that would fulfil this exacting brief. The Visitor Experience Centre called for an innovation projection and digital signage solution to engage and wow visitors with the incredible content displayed, which includes a stunning floor projection image of the National Grid’s UK map of the live gas distribution network.

proAV delivered a future-proofed, integrated AV solution that has substantially enhanced the environment of the GNCC for both its workforce and visiting public, schools and government officials. proAV delivered the scheme on time, within budget and according to the exacting specification approved by the client. Now complete, the National Grid’s GNCC facility is delivering numerous advantages, including:

• A state-of-the-art full HD rear projection video wall technology
• Extensive digital signage system solution to display live National Grid statistics across the facility
• A support maintenance contract provided by proAV with critical spaces in place for failover
• The latest interactive display technology within the training block’s rooms to encourage productivity and a more enjoyable learning experience
• Engaging digital signage and IPTV to present a range of information and data to inform staff and visitors at the new facility