A major fire alarm upgrade at Swansea Bay Sports Park on Singleton Campus has improved protection across one of Swansea’s busiest multi-sport venues, following a successful tender win by Plexus Fire & Security in partnership with BFL Engineering Services Ltd.
The project focused on upgrading fire detection devices throughout the Sports Park, including large, open spaces such as the main sports hall, alongside a range of training and support facilities.
With constant daily use by students, clubs, and community groups, the challenge was to improve system performance while minimising disruption.
Plexus was responsible for the design, supply and commissioning of the system, while BFL Engineering carried out the installation.
The two teams worked closely throughout, coordinating each stage of the programme to maintain safety and continuity across the site.
“This was a true partnership project,” said James Watts, Contracts Manager at Plexus Fire & Security. “We supplied the equipment, supported the enabling works and then completed full testing and commissioning once installation was complete.”
A key element of the upgrade was the redesign of the fire detection system in the main sports hall. The existing system relied on point detection, which is not always suited to large, open environments. Plexus designed a new aspirating detection system to provide earlier and more reliable warnings across the space.
“In large-volume areas like sports halls, standard detection can be limited,” James explained. “The aspirating system gives a higher level of sensitivity and coverage, which is far more appropriate for this type of environment.”
Alongside the system design, Plexus carried out enabling works, including isolation and preparation, to support the installation process. Careful planning ensured that only specific areas, such as the main hall, were taken out of use at any one time.
All other parts of the Sports Park remained operational throughout the project, allowing activities to continue with minimal interruption. The main device changeover was scheduled over a weekend to further reduce the impact on users and staff.
“Minimising disruption was a priority from the start,” said James. “By phasing the works and scheduling key elements out of hours, we were able to complete the upgrade without affecting the wider operation of the facility.”
The result is a modernised fire detection system that better reflects the scale and layout of the Sports Park, while improving reliability and compliance. Plexus continues to maintain the full range of systems on site, including fire, CCTV, intruder alarms and access control, providing a consistent and joined-up service.
This project highlights the value of tailored system design, particularly in complex environments where standard approaches may fall short. It also demonstrates how close collaboration between contractors can deliver efficient results without compromising day-to-day operations.
“Every building is different,” added James. “This was about designing the right solution for the space and delivering it in a way that worked for everyone on site.”
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