UK’s first fully automated no-key storage facility is now operational
Flexiss Group, an independent storage management platform, has confirmed the opening of its latest facility under its SureStore brand in York.
Flexiss now has a total of 17 stores operating across multiple financial institutions, with York being the latest investment from Legal and General Investment Management (LGIM).
The new SureStore facility has a fully automated no-key access system. The system, called Nokē, is a hands-free security process which allows customers to access the facility using Bluetooth technology with facial or thumbprint recognition.
Nokē will control gate access and every single lock in the facility.
York is the first Flexiss Group facility to use this technology and the company aims to build all future locations to Net Zero Carbon in operation standards as well as to use this enhanced security for customer access.
The York SureStore location is the company’s second UK store funded by LGIM’s Industrial Property Investment Fund aiming to be Net Zero carbon in operation, following its opening in Wokingham in July 2022.
Paul Whittaker, Flexiss commercial director, said: “With each new facility we have evolved and in York, we have brought both a specification which targets Net Zero carbon in operation and a fully automated high security system into a multi-purpose facility, in what I believe is the first of its kind in the UK.
“Through our Flexiss tech platform, customers can move in remotely and access their spaces without the need for a key but through their mobile devices, thanks to the Janus Nokē system which is installed in all of the 500 plus spaces at York.
“With the Flexiss collection and delivery services and free Wi-Fi throughout I believe, like our other SureStore facilities, that this facility will be able to bring employment and revenue to the York area for years to come.”
Matthew Lilley, assistant fund manager at LGIM Real Assets, added: “York SureStore is truly a best-in-class facility, marking our second self storage development to open in the last nine months.
“We are increasing our exposure to the sector with a growing pipeline – primarily through purpose built developments which incorporate enhanced specifications from the design stage.
“We continue to integrate new technologies, such as the Nokē system, allowing us to enhance the customer experience and drive outperformance.”
The York facility on Auster Road offers 36,000 sq ft of premium storage space, alongside last mile logistic space, office and co-work opportunities as well as flexible work areas designed for start-up businesses.
