The impetus behind the project stemmed from Swansea Council’s strategic initiative to relocate its staff and facilities, transitioning them from an existing Civic Centre to the Guildhall.
The Guildhall, an architectural gem designed by Sir Percy Thomas in the neoclassical style, was identified as the location for the consolidation.
A key requirement within the Guildhall premises was to elevate a server room into the primary data centre for Swansea Council and, at the same time, address the obsolescence of existing equipment and enhance the overall capacity and resilience of the facility.
Repurposing the building for modern use required a sympathetic approach from 2bm aligned with broader urban development and preservation goals.
The overarching goal was to fortify the Council’s infrastructure, aligning with equipment expansion plans and ensuring a robust, energy-efficient foundation for the organisation’s technological needs over the next 10-15 years.
The project’s outcomes yielded significant benefits for Swansea Council. Not only did the transformation of the Guildhall into a state-of-the-art data centre provide the Council with a technologically advanced and resilient infrastructure, but the upgrade also addressed immediate challenges associated with the end-of-life equipment in the server room, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
The implementation of in-row cooling, aisle containment, and other innovative technologies enhanced the efficiency and operational conditions of the data centre.
In addition to improving the overall reliability of the Council’s IT systems, it positioned them for future technological advancements, supporting ongoing and future equipment expansion plans.
Addressing the challenges encountered during the project, 2bm also faced complexities associated with working within the confines of a Grade I listed building. This required the provision of comprehensive information and technical schematics to secure the approvals for operations within a structure of both architectural and historical significance.
A further challenge involved carrying out all project activities within a live environment. Given the stringent resilience requirements and the imperative of maintaining uninterrupted operations within the facility, the installation and decommissioning of the old cooling units had to be conducted one unit at a time.
The project scope involved the installation of three new in-row cooling units, the decommissioning of outdated cooling infrastructure, the deployment of new racks, and the implementation of hot aisle containment to establish an energy-efficient containment pod.
The project also involved replacing the antiquated, brown carpeted raised floor with a new, antistatic vinyl raised floor and removing and disposing of over three miles of redundant cabling located beneath the old floor in an environmentally responsible manner.
Furthermore, 2bm implemented a new electrical infrastructure featuring a highly efficient modular N+1 UPS, as well as new A & B distribution boards that supply the A and B power feeds in each rack. This included the installation of intelligent socket-level monitored PDUs and an external temporary generator hook-up panel.
The installation of a VESDA system and modifications to the existing fire suppression system were undertaken to align with the new room layout. The latest, integrated equipment also had to be seamlessly incorporated into the 2bm monitoring and alerting system.
At the same time, the upgrade from a server room to a much larger data centre required strategic planning. This dual focus ensured the Council could accommodate ongoing and future equipment expansion plans.
This project’s standout characteristics include a unique blend of historical preservation and technological innovation. The relocation of staff and services to the Guildhall, a Grade I listed building, lent an unparalleled layer of complexity and significance to the endeavour.
The outcomes of the project resulted in significant benefits for Swansea Council. Not only did the transformation of the Guildhall into a state-of-the-art data centre provide the Council with a technologically advanced and resilient infrastructure, the upgrade addressed immediate challenges associated with the end-of-life equipment in the server room, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
The implementation of in-row cooling, aisle containment, and other innovative technologies enhanced the efficiency and operational conditions of the data centre.
In addition to improving the overall reliability of the Council’s IT systems it positioned them for future technological advancements, supporting ongoing and future equipment expansion plans. The seamless integration of tried-and-tested technologies streamlined operations, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity for end users.
The introduction of a new modular, standalone Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system with extended autonomy and resilient features further safeguarded critical systems during utility outages.
This translated into enhanced continuity of services, minimising disruptions for end users and ensuring uninterrupted access to vital information and resources.
Ultimately, the project’s outcome resulted in a modern, resilient, and highly efficient data centre that not only met the Council’s immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for continued technological evolution.
The project’s multifaceted nature, integrating historical architecture preservation with cutting-edge technology, exemplified a harmonious union of tradition and innovation. The juxtaposition of historical significance and technological advancement made the project distinct and noteworthy within the broader landscape of similar endeavours.
This transformation project not only enhanced the Council’s operational efficiency, it earned industry acclaim, culminating in the prestigious ‘Green Data Centre of the Year’ award.
The transformation from a server room with outdated infrastructure to a modern data centre has exceeded our expectations.
The commitment to historical preservation, combined with cutting-edge technology, has created a facility that not only meets our immediate needs but positions us for future advancements. 2bm’s attention to detail and professionalism throughout the project have been commendable.
It has been a pleasure to work with you and your 2bm colleagues over the duration of the project. The work that you’ve done is of the highest professional standard, and we are delighted with the outcome!
Andrew Morris, Digital Project Manager
