“Gerda have been a pleasure to work with throughout the project. the team have consistently been professional, responsive and accommodating, helping us deliver a programme at pace while maintaining a strong focus on quality and collaboration.” – Sheffield City Council

Introduction

Gerda Security Products was appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver a complete design, survey and installation programme for High Security Premises Information Boxes (PIBs) across its residential housing portfolio, improving access to critical building information and supporting safer emergency response.

The programme included the installation of 62 High Security Premises Information Boxes, a bespoke lock-suite system covering 86 secure information boxes, and the surveying and digital twinning of 60+ residential properties to create Emergency Response Packs.

Working in close partnership with Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, the project was delivered to an accelerated programme, with all 62 Premises Information Boxes installed in just two days.

The Challenge

Sheffield City Council required a secure, standardised solution for storing critical building information across its residential estate while improving access for emergency responders.

The project also required the integration of existing secure information boxes into a bespoke lock-suite and the creation of accurate Emergency Response Packs using digitally captured building information.

Gerda’s Solution

Gerda Security Products delivered a fully integrated programme tailored to Sheffield City Council’s operational and fire safety requirements.

The scope of works included:

Design, supply and installation of 62 High Security Premises Information Boxes across the Council’s low-rise, mid-rise and other residential properties.

Design and implementation of a bespoke lock-suite system integrating:
24 existing High Security Secure Information Boxes located within Sheffield’s high-rise residential buildings.

62 newly installed Premises Information Boxes, creating a unified key management solution across 86 secure information boxes.

Detailed building surveys across more than 60 residential properties.
Digital twinning of each surveyed building to create detailed Emergency Response Packs, providing accurate, up-to-date building information for emergency responders.

Coordination with Sheffield City Council to ensure efficient installation scheduling and minimal disruption to residents.

Collaborative Delivery

Collaboration was fundamental to the programme’s success.

Gerda Security Products worked closely with Sheffield City Council throughout the project while maintaining direct liaison with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue. This collaborative approach ensured that the information contained within each Premises Information Box and Emergency Response Pack reflected the operational requirements of frontline fire crews.

Regular communication between all parties enabled efficient decision-making, streamlined delivery and ensured the completed solution met both the Council’s objectives and the needs of emergency responders.

Results

Through careful planning and close stakeholder coordination, Gerda successfully completed the installation of all 62 Premises Information Boxes in just two days, with minimal disruption to residents.

The completed programme has provided Sheffield City Council with a secure, standardised solution that enhances emergency preparedness and gives responding fire crews rapid access to accurate building information.

Project Highlights

62 High Security Premises Information Boxes installed

2-day installation programme

86 secure information boxes under one bespoke lock-suite

60+ properties surveyed and digitally twinned
Emergency Response Packs produced
Delivered in partnership with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue

The Outcome

By delivering a complete design, survey and installation programme, Gerda Security Products has provided Sheffield City Council with a secure, standardised and future-ready Premises Information Box solution.

The bespoke lock-suite system simplifies authorised access while maintaining high levels of security, and the digitally twinned Emergency Response Packs ensure that accurate building information is readily available to emergency responders when it matters most.

This project demonstrates Gerda’s expertise in delivering integrated fire safety information solutions at scale, supporting local authorities in improving resident safety, enhancing emergency response and meeting the evolving demands of modern building safety.