Costa Coffee Touchwood, Solihull

Costa Coffee, a beloved British coffeehouse chain, has become synonymous with high-quality coffee and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With a wide range of handcrafted beverages, from classic espressos to innovative seasonal drinks, Costa offers something for everyone. Situated in the popular Touchwood Shopping Centre, which attracts over 13 million visitors annually, the new flagship Costa required a fire safety system that would meet the demands of this busy retail hub and ensure the safety of all coffee lovers who visited.

The Solihull store, a former Foot Locker, needed a complete overhaul to accommodate Costa Coffee's unique brief. This included the integration of a new fire detection system that would interface seamlessly with the existing building's infrastructure, including security and sprinkler systems and meet the company's strict adherence policy to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

JCB Fire Ltd selected Hochiki's fire detection devices for their innovative features and because their open protocol capability ensures compatibility with various fire alarm control panels, providing flexibility in system design. Additionally, the devices are easy to install, reducing project timelines, and offer ultra-reliability, minimising false alarms.

To meet the stringent safety requirements of the DDA, Hochiki's market leading audio and visual alarm devices were also installed. These devices are designed to enhance visibility for individuals with hearing impairments and improve audibility of fire alarms ensuring that all occupants can be evacuated quickly and efficiently.

Hochiki's ESP range of sensors further simplifies the installation process with a standard electronics-free mounting base and easy addressing. The versatile sensors offer a variety of detection options, including smoke, heat, and multi-criteria detection. Customisable settings, such as adjustable sensitivity and day/night mode switching, allow for tailored fire protection – perfect for this restaurant spread over two floors.

Grant Wheeler, General Manager of JCB Fire, highlighted the benefits of partnering with Hochiki. He emphasised the advanced technology, reduced false alarms, and efficient installation processes that contribute to the overall success of fire safety project at Costa.

“The successful installation at the Solihull store was completed in less than a week, by our client Otec Electrical demonstrating the effectiveness of our partnership with Hochiki. We were able to combine our expertise with Hochiki’s innovative technology ensuring the safety and security of Costa Coffee's customers and staff in this brand-new store”.

Hochiki's ESP range, as demonstrated in this exciting project at Costa Coffee's new outlet, offers a robust and reliable fire detection solution for retail and restaurant environments. By providing advanced features like open protocol capability, easy installation, and customisable settings, Hochiki empowers retail businesses to prioritise safety without compromising aesthetics. To learn more about how Hochiki's ESP range can elevate your fire safety measures, visit the Hochiki website or contact a local authorised distributor.

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