Fingerprint technology first for south Wales housing co-op

Tenants of a co-operative housing scheme in south Wales will become among the very first in the country to use fingerprint technology to access their homes. Shakespeare Gardens, an 18 one-bedroom...

Tenants of a co-operative housing scheme in south Wales will become among the very first in the country to use fingerprint technology to access their homes.

Shakespeare Gardens, an 18 one-bedroom apartment development from Newydd Housing Association near Pontypridd, is being fully refurbished and will be ready for occupancy in September.

Newydd is installing a Connective Touch SmartPro system at the development, which will give tenants full control over who can access their homes, and hopes to roll out the technology to other properties in the housing association’s portfolio.

Connective Touch uses a sensor to read fingerprints and convert them into a digital code. Once a correct match is identified, the software within the device releases a mechanical lock.

“I believe that this technology, using fingerprints to unlock doors, can change lives,” said Devi Sohanta, Connective Touch founder. “It’s safe, fast, easy and secure, providing tenants with complete peace of mind. There’s no possibility that the security of the home is compromised simply because a key has been lost or stolen.”

Elise Coalter, new business manager at Newydd, said the technology appealed to the organisation due to its innovation, convenience and improved security. It also “has the advantage of being a product that will last for the long term – so aiding the sustainability of the co-operative,” she said.

“Shakespeare Gardens is already an active community and tenant members are looking forward to the advantages of having biometrics technology.

“After installation of the SmartPro system and future discussions with members, we will be in a position to consider how we could then roll out this innovative new technology to more properties.”

Newydd is a charitable housing association that offers nearly 3,000 affordable homes for rent and sale to people where need is at its greatest in Mid and South Wales. Newydd, as landlord, will be responsible for all major maintenance tasks at Shakespeare Gardens and will continue to carry out gas and boiler safety checks. Members of the co-operative who will live in the apartments will take an active role in managing their own homes, including taking responsibility for day to day repairs, communal cleaning, window cleaning, decoration and gardening.

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