Paxton Net 2 system installed into a 4-storey commercial building in the heart of Victoria.
Sector: Fitout- commercial
Location: Victoria, London
Site type/size: 4 floors
The Client
Over the last 10 years, WLS have worked with a well-renowned office fit-out contractor in central London. In May 2025, an estimator from the company reached out to us asking if we could tender for an upcoming project for an access control installation. In November 2025, the contractor was due to begin works on site in Victoria, so the company had begun contacting subcontractors to develop initial prices for the project.
The refurbished building in Victoria was being taken over by one tenant; a tech start-up who had outgrown their previous premises. Moving from 2 floors in a high-rise in the city, the end-client’s prospective new building comprised of 4 floors, 3 external entrance doors and 12 internal doors.
The Challenge
From the outset, it was made apparent that controlled access to the building was of the highest importance. The client wanted to not only restrict who could enter the building from the outside, but who could enter what floor when inside. With the top floor of the building designated to the directors of the company, and the basement containing a highly-secure comms room it was imperative that the access of employees was restricted to their individual security levels. All employees had access, within the building, to a lift and a stairwell. To minimise the likelihood of unauthorised access, WLS priced for controllers, connected to the lift, on each floor and access doors on each entry and exit point on the stairwell.
Whilst on site, WLS encountered another challenge. As normal, our estimator had received full site drawings prior to the pricing of the project. However, during the installation, new walls were erected, upon end-client instruction, to form rooms that had not been previously identified on the plans. Consequently, our PM and estimator had to update our design whilst on site, to suit the changing nature of the building.
The Solution
Often, when tendering for projects, we are provided with a preferred system to use on site. In this instance, we were asked to quote for a Paxton Net 2 system installation. As a recognised and “preferred” Paxton installer in London, this was no problem, and we were commended by the contractor for providing not only the most detailed quotation but also the quickest price.
Once on site, we installed a combination of card readers, push to exit buttons, emergency break glass units, Maglocks, door contacts, intercom entry units and an intercom answerphone. Due to a lack of capacity from the electrical contractor, WLS were also asked to provide our own network on site. We therefore installed and configured network switches and cabling infrastructure across the site.
The Result
Despite the erection of new walls during the project, WLS were able to complete the installation on time within the 2 weeks quoted for at the beginning of the project. The contractor praised us for our quick turnaround for our design and our reaction to the design changes mid-project.
The end-client have now moved into the building, and following the success of our work, WLS have been invited to provide access control servicing and maintenance for the building for the next 3 years.
Fit out companies care about three things. Can you deliver the required system in line with the specification, within the time scheduled and for an affordable price. With 40 years of experience completing access control fit-outs, and estimators, project managers and engineers with world leading knowledge on Paxton Net 2 systems, WLS are the obvious choice when it comes to commercial refurbishments.
