The HSBC Data Centre is a unique facility completed in 1981 at a cost in the region of £40 million. At the time it was acclaimed as the most ‘intelligent’ building in Europe, and was designed in two halves each a mirror image of the other. A national data centre, the facility provided 24 hour a day, 365 days a year operational capability with full contingency against computer system outages and failures. As part of a feasibility study into the estimated life expectancy of the site, Taylor Fire Sprinklers were contracted to undertake a 25 year Annex K System Inspection. Including laboratory testing of the sprinkler heads, pipework inspection and testing, from the findings some sprinkler heads were replaced. In addition, rigorous flushing of the system pipework was undertaken.