Securing a Former School Site with a Smarter Solution

A private school in Gloucestershire was recently purchased with plans to redevelop the site into residential apartments. Although the site was gated, concerns remained about vulnerable access points, raising the risk of vandalism, unauthorised entry and squatting.

A tailored approach to site security

VPS Guardians was brought in to assess the site and offer a range of security options. Given the layout, multiple standalone buildings surrounded by extensive land, the live-in Guardianship model emerged as the ideal solution.
With utilities able to remain active throughout the vacancy, the site was perfectly suited to Guardians. Their presence not only deterred unwanted activity but also helped prevent the buildings from falling into disrepair. Best of all, the solution was cost-neutral for the client.

Supporting development while keeping the site safe

The Guardians remained on-site while planning approvals were underway. Once the project was ready to move forward, the property was handed back in excellent condition, and the Guardians were smoothly relocated to new placements.

What the client had to say

“VPS advised us on the costs for a variety of security options, but Guardians best suited our needs for this site as they offer security by occupation, and we felt having a visual presence was key. Also, we wanted to keep the utilities running so the building remained in good condition ready for sale. We knew guardians would spot any additional maintenance requirements which could be addressed immediately.
Dealing with Laura at VPS made this service work smoothly and her support during the contract was always helpful and responsive. I would recommend talking to the VPS Guardian Team if you have security requirements, as their experience in the sector and the range of products they offer means they can cater to most needs.”
— Richie Jones, Director, Facilities & Management Company

Guardianship: a win-win for security and sustainability

This case highlights how Guardianship can be a powerful alternative to traditional security, especially for large, vacant sites awaiting redevelopment. Guardianship protects property, supports community wellbeing, and ensures buildings are maintained and ready for their next chapter.