Project Overview
Valley Park is one of Oxfordshire’s largest residential developments, delivering more than 4,000 new homes through a multi-phase construction programme. A collaboration between Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey, the scheme includes housing, public amenities, green spaces, schools, and essential infrastructure such as roads and local centres.
Due to the scale, complexity, and long-term staging of the project, site security required a robust and adaptive solution. The joint client team appointed Optimum Group to deliver a responsive hybrid security model designed to safeguard high-value assets, support on-site teams, and maintain full visibility across a vast and continuously evolving construction footprint.
The Challenge
The Valley Park development presented a range of security and operational challenges:
- Expansive Site Coverage
With multiple access points and concurrent construction phases, the site required flexible, mobile security coverage to maintain effective oversight. - High-Value Equipment and Materials
Plant machinery, materials, and vehicles stored on site overnight were vulnerable to theft or vandalism. - Constantly Changing Layout
Shifting site boundaries, traffic routes, and working zones meant that fixed surveillance alone could not provide sufficient coverage. - Multi-Contractor Environment
The presence of multiple subcontractors and stakeholders made unified, consistent security support a key operational need. - No Mains Power
The site initially lacked power infrastructure, making traditional surveillance deployment difficult. - Ongoing Thefts and Trespassing
There had been several incidents involving overnight intruders, antisocial behaviour, and asset theft which posed health and safety concerns and disrupted site operations. - Budgetary Constraints
The client required a strong security presence but within a limited budget, prompting a need for cost-effective measures without compromising protection.
Our Solution
Optimum Group implemented a hybrid security system tailored to the evolving needs of a large-scale, joint development project:
- On-Site Dog Handlers
Initially, six dog handlers were proposed to provide round-the-clock physical presence. However, due to cost considerations, four SIA-licensed handlers were deployed. These guards patrolled every 1.5 to 2 hours and focused on key high-risk zones, especially those beyond the reach of fixed CCTV. The patrols were monitored and recorded using the Guard House app. - AI-Enabled Solar-Powered CCTV Surveillance
Twelve high-definition, solar-powered cameras with behaviour recognition software were strategically installed across the site. This self-sufficient technology ensured continuous monitoring even in the absence of power and helped keep operational costs low. - Virtual Guarding and Remote Monitoring
The AI-driven surveillance system was supported by remote monitoring from Optimum Group’s 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre. Alerts were escalated in real time to trained operators who could coordinate rapid response if necessary. - Adaptable Patrol and Camera Coverage
Security patrols and camera placements were reviewed regularly to reflect the constantly changing layout of the development site. This ensured seamless coverage as the project advanced through different phases. - Incident Response and Reporting
All security incidents were logged with timestamped footage and integrated into regular client reports. These records supported insurance claims, internal risk analysis, and compliance.
Impact and Results
- Reduced Theft and Trespassing
The presence of dog handlers combined with intelligent, solar-powered surveillance dramatically reduced security incidents, including theft and antisocial intrusions. - Increased Safety and Oversight
By covering areas not visible from a single vantage point, the solution addressed major health and safety risks. This reassured site teams and improved workflow efficiency. - Cost-Effective and Scalable
The hybrid model allowed the client to maintain 24-hour security coverage in a budget-conscious way. The solution also remains scalable for future phases of development. - Simplified Multi-Client Coordination
Optimum Group acted as the single point of contact for both Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, streamlining communication and operational alignment.
Conclusion
Valley Park represents one of the most ambitious residential developments in the region. Through a flexible and efficient security model that combines AI-powered, solar-driven surveillance with experienced dog handlers, Optimum Group delivered a proactive solution aligned with the client’s needs and expectations. The system not only provided robust protection but also adapted to budget limitations and changing site conditions, ensuring ongoing safety and control throughout the construction lifecycle.
