Mid Devon District Council modernises leisure access with first Fastlane Glassgate 150 LX installation

As part of a wider digital transformation programme, Mid Devon District Council set out to modernise access across its network of Active Mid Devon community leisure centres — introducing better control over access, protecting revenue, supporting site management and enhancing the user experience.

Working in partnership with AdvaNova, and alongside CCTech Ltd, the Council selected IDL’s Fastlane Glassgate 150 LX – the first LX installation worldwide – delivering a fully integrated, future-ready entrance control solution across its Tiverton and Crediton sites.

Project requirements

Mid Devon District Council required an access control solution that could support its digital transformation goals while enhancing both operational efficiency and customer experience.

Key challenges included:

• User experience and congestion – the absence of access control systems led to queues at reception for manual check-in processes, impacting efficiency. The new entrance control solution needed to deliver a seamless, accessible experience for all users.
• Unauthorised access and revenue protection – limited control over entry created challenges in protecting revenue and managing facility usage; the council needed a system that could provide accurate usage data.
• Infrastructure and operational integration – the solution needed to integrate with Active Mid Devon’s Innovatise customer mobile app and OpenPlay leisure management system, while supporting multiple user types without complex infrastructure changes.

 
The council wanted to trial the solution across two sites initially, with the possibility of rolling out to other centres in future.

The solution:

Following a competitive tender process, AdvaNova was appointed to deliver a fully integrated access control system using IDL’s Fastlane Glassgate 150 LX Speedgates.

Three-lane configurations of GG150LX were installed at the main entrances of both Tiverton and Crediton leisure centres, using IDL’s floor-protector system, which allows cable access without altering the existing flooring. All lanes were 914mm wide, Equality Act 2010 (EA) compliant, making them fully accessible for all users.

The Fastlane system is designed to integrate seamlessly, allowing Advanova to connect it with the existing customer app and the Leisure Management System (LMS), enabling a mobile-first access experience. Members can now enter by scanning their phone, eliminating the need for traditional card readers, while alternative credentials such as key fobs and wristbands, along with desktop and wireless staff controls, provide flexible options for ad-hoc visitor access.

A major advantage of IDL’s Fastlane range is its open protocol approach. Unlike many competitors using closed systems, Fastlane solutions integrate openly with third-party platforms, giving operators greater flexibility and long-term control. For councils and large multi-site roll-outs, such as leisure chains, this avoids lock-in to a single manufacturer. It also helps prevent the very high long-term maintenance costs and support limitations that closed systems can create.

The system was fully deployed and live within 72 hours, with physical installation taking one day and system programming completed within two days, supported by close collaboration between AdvaNova, IDL and the Council’s wider technology partners. This ensured all systems were fully aligned, delivering a smooth transition to digital access control with minimal disruption to the facilities or customers.

Product focus: Fastlane Glassgate 150 LX

Building on the proven performance of the original Glassgate 150, the GG150LX combines a compact footprint with refined enclosure styling, ambient glass lighting, motorised glass panels and enhanced optical detection. It also offers concealed reader mounting, Equality Act (formerly DDA) and ADA-compliant access options and retrofit-ready compatibility with existing GG150 installations.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, IDL’s Fastlane entrance control solutions deliver the flexibility, durability and modern design needed for contemporary leisure environments. Learn more about the GG150LX

Project outcomes:

The implementation has delivered immediate and measurable benefits across both sites, supporting improved operations, enhanced user experience and better data visibility.

• Improved efficiency and user experience – reception queues removed with fast mobile or contactless entry; staff save time by no longer admitting customers manually.
• Enhanced data and insight – integration with existing systems delivers key attendance and usage data to support operational planning and future investment decisions.
• Revenue protection – controlled entry ensures only authorised users access facilities and reduces the risk of losses.
• Strong adoption – over 60,500 entries recorded in the first four months.

 
The system has also improved accessibility, providing a simple and inclusive entry process for all users, regardless of device or credential type.

Gym users are thrilled at the simple-to-use solution. Haley Walker, Service Delivery Manager at Mid Devon District Council, says, “Many have commented on how easy it is to book a class and how they no longer need to queue! The AdvaNova team have been really helpful from start to finish, whether on-site or answering questions remotely. We’ve successfully installed the gates at our two biggest sites and look forward to rolling out more in the future.”

Kevin Sontag, AdvaNova, comments, “This project demonstrates the value of a flexible, customer-focused approach to access control. Seamlessly integrating the Glassgate 150 LX with OpenPlay and myFitApp, we’ve delivered a solution that is intuitive for users, efficient for operators and scalable for future development. Working closely with IDL allowed us to tailor the system to their exact requirements. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the council on future projects following this successful trial.”

Phil Allen, Sales Manager UK (Outside M25), Integrated Design Limited, adds, “This project is a great example of how our partners can deliver future-ready entrance control solutions that improve both operational efficiency and user experience. As part of the procurement process, AdvaNova arranged factory tours for the Council to visit our Feltham facility, which led to the selection of the Fastlane Glassgate 150 LX. We’re proud to see the first global installation of this new product delivered so successfully by AdvaNova for Mid Devon District Council.”

Supporting smarter leisure environments

This project highlights how IDL’s Fastlane turnstiles are helping leisure operators modernise their facilities through intelligent, connected entrance control.

By combining advanced technology, seamless integration, and refined design, Fastlane solutions enable operators to improve efficiency, enhance the user experience, and gain valuable operational insights.

Each project is individual. To discuss how the Fastlane range could help secure your leisure facility, please get in touch via our contact page.