CLD Physical Security Systems (CLD) successfully delivered one of its largest and most high-profile projects to date, providing a comprehensive on-ground perimeter security solution for the Paris Olympics 2024.

With security at the forefront of the event’s planning, CLD was chosen to supply and install a robust yet non-aggressive fencing system that ensured the safety of athletes, staff and spectators across 18 Paris venues.

Overview

The scale of the project was huge, with approximately 40km of high-security fencing installed to secure all non-public areas of the event. The system was composed of 12,000 FenceSafe Eclipse tubs, posts, and panels, along with over 400 FenceSafe LockMaster gates with Eclipse infill, strategically placed at access points to manage the flow of spectators, staff, and athletes.

CLD’s fencing was deployed across 18 venues, ensuring clear security boundaries while maintaining a sleek and professional appearance. The project required extensive planning, on-the-ground demonstrations, and close collaboration with event organisers, installation teams, and security personnel to ensure all requirements were met.

Challenge

Delivering security solutions for an event of this scale presented several key challenges, and one of the primary difficulties was managing coordination between multiple stakeholders. With various organisations involved in different aspects of security and venue management, there were often grey areas in decision-making and responsibility, requiring CLD to remain adaptable and proactive throughout the process.

Another challenge was striking the right balance between security and aesthetics, as while the fencing needed to provide a high level of protection, it also had to avoid creating an intimidating or overly aggressive appearance. Organisers wanted a visually subtle yet highly secure solution, ensuring that the event remained welcoming while still maintaining strict security protocols.

The event’s fast-paced nature required CLD to be highly responsive to evolving security needs. Site conditions, security requirements, and operational logistics shifted throughout the project, demanding a flexible and agile approach to ensure the fencing system was installed efficiently and met all necessary safety standards.

Organisers emphasised the importance of minimising environmental impact, requiring suppliers to demonstrate long-term product usability. CLD addressed this challenge by incorporating 50% of the fencing from its existing hire fleet, significantly reducing the need for new manufacturing and ensuring that the products could continue to be used after the event.

Solution

To meet the event’s security requirements, CLD supplied and installed 40km of FenceSafe Eclipse, a high-strength, anti-climb on-ground system specifically designed to provide temporary yet secure perimeter protection. Its modular design allowed for rapid deployment, ensuring that all venues were secured on schedule despite the project’s demanding timeline.

The fencing solution was supported by 12,000 FenceSafe tubs, posts, and panels, ensuring a stable and durable perimeter across the 18 venues. Each location presented unique challenges, from urban stadiums to open-air facilities, requiring CLD to adapt its approach to various environment while maintaining consistent security levels.

Over 400 FenceSafe LockMaster gates with Eclipse infill were strategically placed at key access points. These gates helped manage the flow of spectators, staff, and athletes, ensuring efficient and secure entry and exit at ticket offices, VIP zones, and restricted back-of-house areas.

This integration into the overall perimeter solution allowed for seamless access control, preventing unauthorised entry while offering ease of movement for authorised personnel.

To enhance the aesthetic integration of the security solution, the fencing was branded and wrapped, helping it blend into the event environment. This meant that the fencing not only provided protection but also contributed to a positive spectator experience.

By the time the event concluded, CLD’s physical security systems had successfully secured all designated venues, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The solutions continue to serve beyond the event, with many of the products now repurposed for other major projects, reinforcing CLD’s commitment to sustainability and long-term security solutions.

Testimonials

"This project stands as the largest and most high-profile in CLD’s history, showcasing our ability to deliver large-scale, security-sensitive solutions with precision, efficiency and innovation.

From the initial planning stages to the final installation, our team worked hard to provide the highest levels of security. Through collaboration, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge solutions, we are proud to have played a role in safeguarding one of the world’s most watched sporting events."

– Scott Fulton, Rental Division Director, CLD Physical Security Systems

"It was excellent to have a wide range of high security products available to us and our end client, which allowed for complex solutions meeting requirements. CLD’s products allowed for a range of final attachments as functional areas required, whilst maintaining the primary aim of giving a secure perimeter for top-level sports competition.

All products withstood sustained use by security services and the general public with ease, and the team was always there to react to changing requirements, including short notice changes in response to client or security services requests."

– Matt Barratt, Balfour Beatty Vinci