“The MultiSteel doors have been faultless. Zero issues since installation, and residents feel safer.”— Southwark Council

Gardner Court
London Borough of Islington

Overview:

Zero maintenance callouts since installation
No reported mechanical failures or lock issues
Eliminated police callouts linked to unauthorised access
Enhanced safety and privacy for residents
Improved access control across both stairwells and fenced garden areas

Long-term peace of mind at Gardner Court, Islington.

Installed in 2010, the Gardner Court Estate access control scheme continues to demonstrate MultiSteel’s commitment to durable, maintenance-free security solutions in social housing. Managed by Islington Council, the estate previously faced serious issues with unrestricted public access to communal stairwells and garden areas—resulting in persistent antisocial behaviour, police callouts, and safety concerns, particularly during high-traffic periods linked to local football matches, pubs and shops.

The strategic challenge

Gardner Court’s open-plan design left communal areas vulnerable to trespass and misuse. Without access control, stairwells became hotspots for nuisance behaviour, disrupting residents and increasing demand on council and police services.

Traditional mechanical locking systems were dismissed due to their tendency to degrade in communal settings and the need for ongoing upkeep. Many standard door systems also expose handles, locks and beading, creating easy targets for tampering and forced entry.

Islington Council needed a secure, reliable solution that could deter intrusion, withstand constant use, and eliminate the mechanical failure points common to conventional door systems—while remaining fully compliant with fire safety and emergency access regulations.

The MultiSteel approach

MultiSteel was appointed to design, fabricate and install a series of secure steel doorways, frames, and fenced access points throughout Gardner Court. Each element was built in-house at our North London facility and installed by our expert team.

Doors feature concealed magnetic locking systems with no exposed mechanical parts, significantly reducing attack points and virtually eliminating the need for maintenance. Additional design features—including internal beading and concealed hinge systems—further enhanced tamper resistance and overall durability.

Crucially, every system was designed with safety in mind: outward-opening doors ensured safe egress in emergencies and met all relevant fire safety standards.

Reported failures since installation in 2010