London Symphony Orchestra

In 2000 Wates Construction, commenced the mammoth task of restoring a derelict 18th Century Grade 1 listed Church, St Lukes in Old Street, London, into a rehearsal studio for the London Symphony Orchestra.

The Mechanical and Electrical Contractor, Franklin M & E, employed us to supply, install and commission the Fire Alarm and Detection System.

LSO St Lukes  st-lukes  LSO St Lukes 2

We originally selected a Syncro Control Panel from Kentec’s Analogue Addressable range, incorporating the tried and tested range of XP95 devices from Apollo. The versatile Syncro panel included a graphical mimic with zonal LEDs, and allowed the complex programming required to allow the use of a “Performance Mode” specified by the local authority.

The installation required close liaison between our installation team and the main contractors, to overcome the difficulties of concealing cables in a listed building of this age, without compromising the high specification of sound proofing and acoustics demanded by the client.

The project was completed and the building occupied in late 2002. In addition to a rehearsal studio, the building also now operates a Community and Music Education Programme.

In 2016 Crays Fire upgraded the fire alarm control panels to Advanced Electronics Mx-Pro 4 panels to incorporate the complex cause and effects required, when the symphony orchestra was performing.

The system is still maintained by us now.