CPD: Planning for physical security in construction projects

Physical security refers to the use of integrated, built-in measures to protect people, assets and infrastructure from hostile threats such as forced entry, terrorism or the use of vehicles as weapons.

Examples include crash-rated bollards, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) systems, perimeter fencing, reinforced access points and controlled entry zones. These elements are designed not just to deter and delay attacks, but to protect the public and reduce harm in the event of an incident.

Physical security has become a critical component in the design and delivery of public infrastructure, particularly in light of emerging legislative duties and an evolving threat landscape that includes terrorism and the increasing use of vehicles as weapons.

Yet in many construction projects, security is often treated as a relatively small procurement package within the overall project scope. As a result, it may not receive the level of early consideration it truly requires.

This late-stage approach can increase costs and risks, introduce technical complications and reduce overall integration quality, potentially undermining stakeholder confidence and the long-term effectiveness of security measures.

Physical security, such as HVM, perimeter barriers and street-level protective measures, is frequently addressed toward the final stages of project delivery. Typically procured alongside landscaping or street furniture, these packages are sometimes viewed as non-critical and, as a result, deprioritised in procurement and planning schedules.

However, effective physical security is far more complex than the installation of bollards or fences. It requires early coordination across multiple disciplines, including structural and civil engineering, utilities planning, architectural design and procurement.

Delaying this coordination can introduce a range of costly, technical, and reputational risks, such as:

These challenges are especially pronounced on retrofit or refurbishment projects, where existing site conditions are often less predictable and difficult to verify in advance. Early engagement, proper data collection and proactive supplier collaboration are essential to minimising risk, delivering best value and ensuring security measures perform as intended.

For physical security to be effectively integrated, it must be addressed from RIBA Stage 1 onwards. Early engagement allows construction professionals to coordinate with security engineers, architects, civil contractors and manufacturers to design solutions that are:

On retrofit projects, early-stage site surveys and trial hole digs are essential to identify the topography of the area and constraints such as underground services, utility covers, suspended slabs and adjacent structures.

This information informs appropriate product selection and avoids unnecessary rework. On new-build schemes, the opportunity exists to incorporate security measures into civils and substructure works, simplifying delivery and reducing long-term risk.

Physical security planning is shaped by an evolving threat landscape. Vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks remain a concern for public infrastructure, transport hubs and pedestrianised zones.

While such events may be infrequent, the impact of a single hostile incident can be catastrophic. A prolonged absence of high-profile attacks may lead to complacency, but risk assessments must continue to account for evolving threats and emerging attack methodologies.

Design and construction professionals have a duty to ensure that protective measures are proportionate, contextually appropriate and integrated with the intended use of the site. In the built environment, this means balancing functionality, aesthetics and public safety with legal and operational requirements.

Importantly, best value does not mean choosing the cheapest option; it means selecting solutions that offer proven performance, long-term durability and compatibility with the site’s overall design and risk profile.

Failure to apply this level of professional judgement can compromise public safety and expose clients and duty holders to significant legal, financial and reputational consequences.

Security-related responsibilities in construction are governed by a range of standards, best practice guidance and legislation. These frameworks should be consulted during the early design and planning stages to ensure both compliance and suitability.

Core standards and frameworks for physical security

Compliance and procurement references

Legislative and regulatory drivers

Successfully integrating physical security into public infrastructure requires early and informed involvement from construction professionals. Where multiple stakeholders are involved, a clear decision-making structure must be established to prevent procurement and project delivery delays. 

Security measures, particularly HVM systems, must not be treated as off-the-shelf components added late in the process. Early collaboration with accredited security manufacturers and consultants is essential to ensure the right solutions are selected, correctly specified and properly installed.

Look for indicators of competence such as compliance with internationally recognised impact test certification, which help distinguish organisations with the necessary expertise, product performance and compliance.

Not all suppliers offer products that meet the required threat level or provide advice grounded in real-world operational needs, making third-party validation even more important.

By engaging qualified partners from the outset, asking informed questions around threats, certification and competence, and ensuring coordination across disciplines, construction professionals can support security strategies that are technically robust, cost-effective and sensitive to the architectural and operational context.

ATG Access was engaged from the earliest design stages of Paddington Station’s major refurbishment to develop HMV and protection against accidental vehicular impact.

The project team worked closely across disciplines to integrate protective measures with the station’s complex structural and architectural requirements. The overall design followed a fixed rectangular grid scheme, which guided the placement and geometry of street-level elements, including protective infrastructure.

To align with these constraints, ATG Access developed custom-designed rectangular bollards and impact-tested them to meet the required standards. Shallow foundations were used to avoid clashes with below-ground services, simplifying installation and minimising disruption. These measures were integrated into key zones throughout the public realm to provide effective security without compromising the site’s aesthetics.

As part of the redesign, the former main entrance road was removed and replaced by an open atrium-style space. This created a new risk as vehicles transacting through this space were at risk of falling into the open lower levels of the lower station. To mitigate this, ATG Access was able to develop and embed vehicle constraint cells into the substructure of benches positioned around the space. These solutions absorb impact energy while preserving the visual openness of the design.

Within the station itself, a number of structural columns were identified as vulnerable to accidental vehicle impact. These columns were complicated by the fact that they included drainage elements, requiring tailored protection without disrupting their function. Energy-absorbing column guards with shallow foundations were developed and installed to address this risk without compromising aesthetics or space.

The Paddington scheme demonstrates how early-stage engagement enables tailored engineering solutions to be aligned with both structural and architectural constraints. In this case, engaging physical security specialists from the concept stage allowed the team to meet multiple assurance and programme requirements without incurring delays or costly redesigns.

Richard Ellis FCIOB is the managing director of HVM and physical security solutions company ATG Access.