Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Secured by Design accredits Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village for 2014

Brian Sims follows the progress made to date in relation to security arrangements for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, which run from 23 July-3 August 2014 in Glasgow.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games represents the largest single security operation Scotland – and, in particular, the fine city of Glasgow – has faced in recent history.

The Games’ ideology is closely linked to the key themes supported by the Scottish Government, one of which is ‘safer and stronger communities’.

The 2014 Games are the twentieth event to be staged in the series and aim to reflect the renowned and respected friendliness and openness of the Scottish people, while at the same time providing a safe, secure and successful event.

There’s an overriding feeling that these apparently conflicting objectives can be met successfully if there’s an early consideration of the security requirements. Experience demonstrates that retrospect measures will inevitably undermine those principles.

If there’s to be an overall success for the 2014 Games, it’s vital that security measures are embedded throughout the entire process: from design, through the build stage and on to delivery of the event itself followed by the legacy.

Early awareness and consideration of security issues and requirements will also contribute to the longer term success and sustainability of the new communities created.

The Scottish Police Service, the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) can support architects, engineers, planners and developers in the creation of safe and secure environments.

Where does Secured by Design fit in?

Having proven the benefits of Secured by Design through academic research conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for the Built and Natural Environment, the partnership of Strathclyde Police, ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI) and GHA now have independent evidence of the benefits of Secured by Design.

The challenge thereafter lies in gaining access to key strategic forums to allow a police influence over the design and security requirements of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Village, and by doing so bring Secured by Design onto the international stage in developing the first SBD-accredited Commonwealth Games Village.

Incidents of international terrorism occurring nationally conspired to push security in the built environment up the agenda. While Counter-Terrorism Security Advisors would rightly retain responsibility for aspects of the Critical National Infrastructure, a significant proportion of architectural liaison officer (ALO) projects fall within the ‘soft targets and crowded places’ classification. Delivery of the Protect strand of the Government’s CONTEST strategy in such areas is by ALOs.

Throughout a rolling programme of continuous improvement, key project milestones were established to help visualise what success would look like when delivered and help drive the project forward.

The methodology employed over the course of the project has been to build the knowledge base and professional capacity among practising ALOs in order to drive up standards of service delivery. In turn, this will be supported by promotion of the service in a strategic context.

As quality was driven up by the new processes, confidence in the service grew and was accompanied by an increase in demand. Representation for Strathclyde Police was secured on a number of key strategic groups, including the Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership and the Glasgow Urban Design Panel.

Strathclyde Police also engaged with the redrafting of Glasgow’s local development plan, aka The City Plan. This led to a number of significant inclusions in support of the service, including the first explicit references to Secured by Design in a local development plan for Glasgow.

Strathclyde Police and the project team

The established partnership became particularly beneficial when Strathclyde Police was invited to become a member of Glasgow City Council’s project team to assess the bids for developing the Games’ Village and then devise the security requirements for the procurement process.

As part of the City Council’s procurement process, Strathclyde Police assessed proposals from each consortium bidding to gain preferred contractor status. The proposals included plans in relation to both security in overlay mode (ie ‘Games time’) and Secured by Design in legacy mode.

The project team provided constructive feedback to all bidders in relation to the requirements of Secured by Design, as well as advice to Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on the likelihood of each proposal achieving Secured by Design accreditation.

Throughout this period, Strathclyde Police had the full support of the CPNI in providing briefings and accredited training to key partners such as architects, planning officers and civil engineers. The level of joint training undertaken significantly contributed to the ease of communication and level of support from partner agencies.

It also led to some of the key successes already achieved in relation to incorporating protective security measures during the design phase.

Delivering a lasting Games legacy

The 2014 Commonwealth Games represents the biggest sporting event Scotland can attract, and is second only to the Olympic Games in terms of global significance.

Build programmes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games are already well underway and will comprise 13 major sporting venues (70% of them are already in place).

The ‘centrepiece’ of the Games will undoubtedly be the Athlete’s Village, a new development designed to accommodate 7,500 competitors and 1,500 officials.

The Games Village is going to be located in the Dalmarnock area of Glasgow and comprises a 38.5 hectare site. The existing area is, in essence, a brown field site with a light industrial history.

The masterplan for the Athletes’ Village draws heavily on that developed for Melbourne prior to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which was deemed by participants to be the ‘best Games venue ever’.

It will comprise three main zones, namely the athletes’ Residential Zone, the International Zone and the Service Zone (including the transport hub). For the purposes of the Games, the Athletes’ Village will provide approximately 1,000 residential units.

In delivering the legacy there will be in excess of 1,200 homes for both the public and private sectors, all of which will achieve Secured by Design accreditation. For the Games, all residential space provision within these units will include bedrooms, toilets and shower facilities. Catering will be provided through temporary structures.

The International Zone will provide a ceremonial area, shopping complex, media facilities, entertainment complex, conference and meeting areas and a VIP reception area. It will also serve as the Security Management Centre for the entire site area.

The Service Zone will accommodate a 2,000-seat restaurant, a religious centre, gymnasium and training facilities, the Games Management Centre and facilities for the emergency services.

Build standards and post-Games legacy

The ALO unit met with Sports Scotland in respect of the build programmes for the other sporting venues associated with the Games.

This level of engagement provides the opportunity for delivery of the architectural liaison service for all venues, and to consider the preventative and protective security requirements needed for each site.

Every opportunity was taken to align build standards with CPTED and Secured by Design principles.

Part of the main legacy from the Games will be the new residential area in Dalmarnock and the associated transport, commercial and leisure infrastructure.

Following the Games, the greater part of the International and Service Zones will be dismantled and an additional 500 residential units duly built. All existing residential units will be retrofitted for normal family living.

In addition to the obvious physical legacy of the Games, it’s vital to consider this element within a wider physical, socio and economic legacy. It’s therefore important that as much as possible of the investment made in the Games is retained.

There’s little doubt that the 2014 Commonwealth Games can serve as a springboard for the future development and well-being of Glasgow’s East End, whereby it can become an exemplar in terms of a community that reflects the Government’s aspiration of a wealthier, healthier, safer and stronger, smarter and greener Scotland.

Not only that, it also has the potential to become a flagship Secured by Design development.

Shooting in sight with new target centre for 2014 games

A SHOOTING centre that could be used to host events for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and to train top athletes has won backing from the Scottish Government.
Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport, agreed to offer support from Sportscotland for the £4.5 million development near Livingston.

The national sports agency plans to help develop a business case for the shooting centre's proposal,put forward by the Scottish Target Shooting Federation (STSF).

In a letter seen by the Evening News, she told the chairman of STSF that she hoped there was a "genuine prospect of making (the] proposal viable and financially sustainable".

The creation of a national shooting centre at Morton Farm already has the support of Lothian and Borders Police.

It would lead to a major expansion for an existing clay pigeon shooting site, which STSF believes will create a "long-lasting legacy" once the 2014 games are finished by hosting international events.

During the games, it would host pistol, rifle, clay pigeon, smallbore rifle and archery events.

Currently there are no purpose-built facilities in Scotland for training target shooters that mimic the conditions and layout of international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

Ms Robison said: "There is merit in exploring the feasibility of using the Morton site to develop a fit-for-purpose training venue. I feel that such a facility offers a tangible and achievable prospect, would be welcomed by our athletes and would provide the sport with a permanent legacy long after the 2014 games."

Paul Nelson, who owns the site proposed for expansion, the Morton Clay Targets shooting ground, welcomed the latest development. He said: "It's certainly something that's needed in Scotland. It's more a long-term than a short-term venture that's always going to prepare shooters for Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

"If you look at when our athletes came back from Delhi, 60 to 70 per cent of our medals were through shooting, so this is something that could hugely benefit athletes. It is hoped that the police and army will use the base for firearms training."

He added: "Having something like this would take the fear factor away when it comes to guns. People who want to own guns can be trained responsibly."

The STSF is already in discussions with police about licensing and security aspects. Glasgow 2014 officials have inspected the site and will make a selection on whether it will host events at a later date.

Colin Watson, from Edinburgh, a council member of the Scottish Smallbore Rifle Association, said: "As things stand, there are no purpose-built facilities in Scotland for training target shooters.

Working with smaller club set-ups, currently athletes with any promise have to go to training camps abroad, sometimes at their own expense. Recently, this has meant South Africa and Finland, or at the very least the south of England. In continental Europe, such facilities are embarrassingly common.

"The desire to let Sportscotland help out with a new proposal means there is a high likelihood it would find favour. That would be welcomed by target shooters across the country."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The minister has made an offer of support to help the shooting governing bodies develop a sound business case for a training facility which would be welcomed by Scottish athletes and would provide a legacy for the sport long after 2014. We hope that the governing bodies will respond positively to this offer."

UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 Sign Commonwealth Games Agreement to Develop Anti-doping Strategy

UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 have signed an agreement to work together to develop a robust anti-doping strategy for the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.


UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 have signed an agreement to work together to develop a robust anti-doping strategy for the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Key elements of the agreement include;

    *     Assessing the anti-doping requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation and how Glasgow 2014 will deliver them in the lead-up to the Games and at Games time
    *     Sharing best practices regarding anti-doping, including those identified from UK Anti-Doping's experience in the delivery of major events in the UK
    *     The development and promotion of anti-doping education initiatives for the Games to support any existing World Anti-Doping Agency education programmes, and
    *     Ensuring that anti-doping for the Games complements existing efforts by UK Anti-Doping in the efforts to combat doping in sport.

UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Andy Parkinson, said: “UK Anti-Doping is delighted to work with and support the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in developing a comprehensive anti-doping strategy for the event. The Glasgow Games represent another major global event in the UK and we look forward to playing our part in assisting with the delivery of a high quality anti-doping programme.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, John Scott, said: “A strong anti-doping strategy is a key element in ensuring that all athletes have a level playing field to set high standards across all sports and events at the Games. As part of this agreement, we hope to gain from UK Anti-Doping's extensive knowledge and excellent track record in delivering anti-doping programmes for major events in the UK.”

Minister for Public Health and Sport, Shona Robison, said: “The Scottish Government welcomes this agreement between UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014. This collaboration sends a strong message to any athlete thinking about cheating to better their performance at the 2014 Games. The expertise, knowledge and advice UK Anti-Doping will offer through its world class anti-doping programmes will ensure fair play is adhered to at all times at Glasgow 2014.”

Notes to Editors

UK Anti-Doping

UK Anti-Doping is the National Anti-Doping Organisation for the UK.

UK Anti-Doping has responsibility for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through implementation and management of the UK's National Anti-Doping Policy.

UK Anti-Doping's functions include an education and information programme, athlete testing across more than 40 sports, intelligence management and exclusive results management authority for the determination of anti-doping rule violations.

Accountable to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Anti-Doping has a very clear remit in anti-doping in the UK and plays a lead role in the fight against doping in sport.

Glasgow 2014 seeks head of marketing

The Commonwealth Games 2014 organising committee in Glasgow has begun its search for a head of marketing and advertising.

Reporting into John Donnelly, director of marketing and sponsorship, the committee aims that the appointed person will oversee all aspects of marketing and advertising for the 2014 Games.

One of the roles key responsibilities will be to implement a brand identity programme for Glasgow 2014 and create the look and feel surrounding the Games, creating a team to deliver marketing targets.

The vacancy was advertised this week by the organizing committee, with interviews set to take place in the first week of November.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow - Scottish Sports Arena

Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasgow
Glasgow - host for 2014 Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games Development Teams
Four consortia shortlisted to develop £245m Commonwealth Games Village:
- Broadway Malyan Consortium
- City Legacy Consortium led by Davis Langdon with RMJM, Cruden Estates, McTaggart & Mickel, Citybuilding and CCG
- Gladedale Consortium
- The PPD Consortium led by developer Charles Price with Mace, Caledonian Building, Woogar Hunter, DTZ with Elder and Cannon Architects, gm+ad Architects, Ian Simpson Architects (masterplan architect), Nord Architecture and Reiach and Hall Architects.
 Broadway Malyan's team, of Arup, Drivers Jonas and regeneration company New City Vision, is still to appoint a contractor to bid with, while the Gladedale Consortium, with Bellway Homes and Citta Property Group, the Australian developer which built the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, is in discussions with three architects to join its team.

The four consortiums were officially ratified by Glasgow City Council and will now enter into a competitive dialogue process with them. Two consortiums will be shortlisted by the end of 2008, with a successful team chosen by summer 2009.

The winning bidder will build up to 1,500 homes in the east end of Glasgow. These will house 8,000 athletes during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and provide a mixture of private and affordable homes after the Commonwealth Games end.

Commonwealth Games Village Land

Glasgow City Council's Executive Committee has approved plans to acquire the most significant piece of land at the site for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village.
21 Aug 2008

Commonwealth Games Organisation

Chief Exec & Operating body similar to London Olympics’ ODA to be created by Glasgow City Council according to a report in latest Building magazine. The estimated £500m of associated works is dominated by the £245m Athlete’s Village. Nov 2007
Commonwealth Games Glasgow - Facilties & Venues
Athlete’s Village, Dalmarnock
Est. £245m
Commonwealth Games athletes village

Commonwealth Games Sports Arena, East End

Est. £76m
National Indoor Sports Arena

National Entertainment Arena, adj. SECC, West End
venue for gymnastics + netball
National Indoor Sports Arena Glasgow
Est. £112m
Commonwealth Games Entertainment Arena

Aquatics Centre, Tollcross Park, east Glasgow
Swimming Pool + Auditorium
Est. £12.5m

Glasgow Green redevelopment
Venue for hockey, marathon + cycle track
Est. £3m

Hampden Park redevelopment, south Glasgow
Est. £21m

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

17 sports, 11 days of competition, 1 host city
17 sports are played over 11 days of competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 10 of these are core sports - they are always played and their medals competed for. 7 have been selected by the host city from a choice of sixteen. The result will make for an interesting and varied programme. To find out what Glasgow 2014 has gone for, click here

"We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen."

First Minister, Alex Salmond, on Scotland's winning bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games

EventScotland contributed £1.5 million in support of the Commonwealth Games 2014 bid and has since worked to attract and secure a range of events for the city.

From the 10th World Team Badminton Championships – Sudirman Cup to the FISA World Rowing Under 23 Championships, sporting events showcase Glasgow as a world leading events destination and reinforce the city’s credentials as the best candidate city for the 2014 Games.

EventScotland continues to work with local partners to invest in test events to promote Glasgow’s profile as an international event destination. And in December 2008 EventScotland announced its intention to lead a bid to host a stage of the UCI’s prestigious track cycling World Cup at the future Glasgow velodrome. Working with Culture and Sport Glasgow and British Cycling the agency’s aim is to secure the event for the winter of 2012/2013.

For further information, please visit the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games website. http://www.glasgow2014.com/
 


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