V&A Waterfront expands coverage with intelligent security

June 10, 2025

The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a global landmark annually attracting millions of locals, tourists and business visitors. The 138-hectare, mixed-use development is home to both residential and commercial properties: 7 museums, 12 hotels, 500 retail shops, dining, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as a host of heritage sites. Ensuring the safety of people and places requires a vigilant security team and a state-of-the-art surveillance system that is both innovative and scalable over time.  

 

Customer
V&A Waterfront
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Device count, brands
1,300 AXIS video cameras, LPR, People Counting
Milestone technology
XProtect® Corporate, XProtect® Smart Wall
Integrations
video analytics, intercoms, access control
Integrations
Cygnetic Systems Integrator, Premier Partner 
Challenges

A decade ago, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, undertook a complete overhaul of its surveillance systems. Axis network cameras working with Milestone video management software have transformed this diverse city distict by turning an aging analog system into a safe and fully managed digital environment to endure over the years.

Solution

Expanding from 900 to over 1,300 Axis cameras and partnering with Milestone Systems for its open platform video management software, the V&A Waterfront security staff worked with installing partner Cygnetic to branch out for a centralized, flexible technology footprint. The video lets them review past events or monitor real-time activities, and they added further intelligence into the system.  

V&A Waterfront leverages integrations including AI video analytics, access control, perimeter security, intercoms and license plate recognition (LPR). These consolidate with the video feeds into a united solution on a central interface using Milestone XProtect® Smart Client or watching the XProtect® Smart Wall.   

Results

The video system provides the security team with an ‘all eyes’ approach. This enables them to act quickly to what is happening: proactive surveillance steps up their response to incidents and events. All common areas are monitored by the control room overview that is staffed 24/7.

The V&A Waterfront has increased operational efficiencies with the smart surveillance, proving the solution’s reliability and durability. The Milestone open platform architecture ensures that the system remains adaptable and future proof. 

“Working with Axis, Milestone and Cygnetic can be described as seamless, and has produced real results. Delivering experience like no other for our visitors, the precinct makes use of these intelligent systems that do not just enforce security and safety but increase efficiency and provide long-term value.”
Clinton Sandmann, Senior Manager, Physical Risk, V&A Waterfront

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