Hochiki Europe has announced the successful installation of its ESP Addressable fire detection system as part of the ambitious conversion of the former Scott Harbour office building in Cardiff Bay.
The 90,000 sq. ft, five‑storey former office complex has been transformed into 78 quality homes for the social housing market, alongside retail and commercial units—a key initiative led by Rightacres Property Company Limited.
The mixed-use development required a fire safety solution capable of integrating residential, commercial and retail areas, each with different operational and aesthetic requirements. Hochiki Europe’s ESP Addressable range, installed by P.E.S. Fire and Security and specified by Huvo, was selected for its flexibility, scalability and open-protocol design.
To accommodate evolving internal layouts and future commercial tenants, the system was designed to allow reconfiguration of alarm zones and sounder activation without rewiring.
Critical safety features included specialised heat detectors for apartment entrances to safeguard main corridor escape routes, with direct operation of Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs).
The ESP solution was integrated with Building Management Systems, sprinklers, pumps, access control, and solar PV, delivering a unified and coordinated fire strategy.
Devices were selected to blend discreetly into the newly refurbished interiors, preserving the design intent of the high-profile conversion.
Commenting on the project, P.E.S.’ Managing Director, Martin Truscott, said: “Hochiki’s ESP range made installation remarkably easy, especially when faced with the continual changes to the layout. This flexibility allowed us to adapt to the projects evolving requirements, without needing a complete redesign of the overall system wiring.”
Designed to minimise disruption and deliver consistent performance in a busy environment, the system also reduces the incidence of false alarms, essential in a mixed‑use development with varied occupancy and use.
By enabling the reuse of the existing structure, the project aligns with environmental, social and governance principles, maximising resource efficiency while delivering a safe and secure affordable housing project which enhances the fabric of Cardiff Bay.
The Scott Harbour project demonstrates the adaptability of Hochiki Europe’s ESP Addressable range and overtime will also demonstrate its reliability. Through close collaboration, Hochiki provided a robust, flexible, and truly future-proof fire detection solution.
