Smart access for the Viaduct Events Centre

The Viaduct Events Centre is a 6,000-square-metre venue used to host a wide range of private and public events. It’s part of a broader portfolio that includes the Aotea Centre, Civic Theatre, Auckland Town Hall, Bruce Mason Centre, and Queens Wharf. Any new system had to match the scale and complexity of operations across these sites, while delivering the flexibility needed for day-to-day event management.

Quick install. No rewiring. No disruption.

Armstrong Locksmiths handled the install. “We swapped out 69 cylinders in two days,” says Phil Gale. “You’re swapping cylinders, not doors, so there’s no drilling, no fire-rating issues, and no structural changes. The battery is in the key, so there’s no wiring either.”

Even the revolving and curtain doors were integrated. “Our electrician added a breaker to the existing key switch on the large curtain door. CLIQ handled it easily.”

As part of the CLIQ technology, two wall-mounted programming devices were installed. “Staff or contractors enter their PIN into the cabinet, retrieve a key, insert it into the programming device, and it updates access instantly,” says Gale.

Everyday use: simple, secure, flexible

For Venue Operations Coordinator Rudi Botha, the difference is clear. “Before, someone senior had to be on-site with a giant key ring,” he says. “Now, everyone has one key, programmed for just the spaces they need.”

Contractors request access remotely, receive a one-time PIN, and collect a pre-programmed key from the cabinet. “We know who took which key, and where it’s valid,” says Botha. “And we can revoke access instantly.”

High-risk areas, like the catwalk above the main event space, are tightly controlled. Only workers with the right clearance can access them, and only when needed.

Compliance built in

For Rachel Rust, Head of Security Planning and Projects, meeting PSR standards was essential. “We needed to protect people, assets, and information,” she says. “CLIQ gives us full oversight, audit logs, and no more issues with unauthorised duplicates. It’s also reduced our site management costs.”

ABLOY® PROTEC2 CLIQ is a true one key solution where CLIQ keys are able to operate both the electromechanical and mechanical cylinders.
ABLOY® PROTEC2 CLIQ is a very cost effective solution. CLIQ cylinders are installed in areas which require electronic features such as audit trails, time limited access and easy blocking of lost keys. Those areas could for instance be the perimeters, storerooms or server rooms. Mechanical ABLOY® PROTEC2 cylinders are then installed in the other areas.