Delivering resilient IT infrastructure for large-scale office re-occupation.
How Scenariio modernised comms rooms, structured cabling and connectivity to bring a legacy workspace back into use.
IT infrastructure office refurbishment project overview.
The project involved the refurbishment of IT infrastructure to enable the re-occupation of a first-floor office within a UK city centre building. Scenariio removed legacy cabling that was more than 25 years old, installed new Cat6A structured cabling and modernised the comms room to support around 160 desks. By upgrading the underlying infrastructure, the client was able to bring unused space back into service rather than lease additional premises. The approach has since informed plans to refurbish further floors within the building.
• Sector: Utilities / infrastructure
• Location: UK city centre
• Scope: IT infrastructure refurbishment and office re-occupation
• Outcome: A modern first-floor workspace supporting around 160 desks
The challenge: enabling office re-occupation through IT infrastructure upgrade.
A large UK organisation identified significant unused office space within a city centre building. Led by the estates team, the decision was taken to refurbish and re‑occupy the first floor rather than lease additional premises elsewhere. With good transport links and ample floor space already available, the focus shifted to unlocking the value of what the organisation already owned.
From a business perspective, the case for refurbishment was clear. While it required upfront investment, re‑using existing space was seen as a significant long‑term cost saving compared to acquiring and fitting out new buildings.
However, the existing IT infrastructure presented a clear barrier. Much of the cabling was more than 25 years old, data outlets were poorly located for modern desk layouts, and the comms room itself was no longer suitable for current operational needs. Without a full infrastructure upgrade, the floor could not be reliably brought back into use.
With a requirement to have staff on seats by mid‑January 2026, the project needed to deliver certainty as well as scale.
Existing conditions: legacy cabling and unsuitable comms infrastructure.
Early surveys confirmed the scale of the challenge beneath the surface. There were no up-to-date design drawings in place, with information often limited to informal sketches that changed as requirements evolved. Legacy cabling filled tray routes and comms rooms, restricting airflow, limiting expansion and making day-to-day management difficult.
“By clearing out legacy cabling and rebuilding the comms environment, the floor could finally be used as intended.”
The comms environment, in particular, had become a constraint rather than an enabler. For IT and facilities teams, the lack of space and structure made even simple changes harder than they needed to be.
Although the floor itself was empty, the absence of clear documentation and the condition of the inherited infrastructure increased risk at the outset and reinforced the need for a methodical, well-planned approach.
The approach: end-to-end IT infrastructure design and delivery.
Scenariio took responsibility for the end‑to‑end delivery of the IT infrastructure, bringing clarity and structure to a project that had little formal documentation at the outset. From day one, the focus was on putting the right team on site and creating the conditions for smooth delivery.
Redundant and legacy cabling was removed to free up space within existing tray routes and comms rooms. This created the capacity needed to install new services cleanly, while also improving overall manageability. New cabling was installed with future growth in mind, exceeding immediate requirements and ensuring that the comms environment would not become a constraint again.
Throughout the programme, Scenariio engineers worked closely with the electrical contractors and the client’s network team. With the floor unoccupied and materials easily stored on site, works were sequenced efficiently, allowing steady progress without disruption or the need for extensive out‑of‑hours activity.
The solution delivered: structured cabling and comms room modernisation.
The project delivered a complete IT infrastructure platform to support full re‑occupation of the first floor:
- A new Cat6A structured cabling system designed around modern desk layouts
- A clean, rationalised comms room with space to accommodate additional equipment
- Additional cabling installed beyond immediate needs to simplify future expansion
- Improved organisation and accessibility within containment and cabinet environments
All infrastructure was installed, labelled and tested in line with current standards, creating an environment that is easier to manage, adapt and scale over time.
The outcome: a scalable office environment ready for occupation.
The refurbished first floor now supports approximately 160 desks within a modern, centrally located workspace. Compared to the previous layout, working areas feel more open and less cramped, despite the increased density of desks.
For IT and facilities teams, the difference is practical rather than cosmetic. Cabling is now easier to manage, changes can be made without disruption, and adding new users no longer requires workarounds. The upgraded comms environment provides a clear, structured foundation rather than a hidden source of risk.
More broadly, the success of the project has shifted how the organisation views its wider estate. Other vacant or under‑used floors and buildings are now being considered for similar refurbishment, with plans already emerging to replicate the approach on the ground and second floors.
Scenariio’s role: specialist IT infrastructure delivery partner.
Scenariio acted as the enabling partner throughout the project, providing experienced engineers who coordinated effectively with on-site trades, client leads and the network team. With the right people involved from the outset, the programme felt under control from day one.
“Once the right team was in place from the start, delivery became a matter of execution rather than firefighting.”
As the first specialists on site and among the last to leave, Scenariio helped turn a loosely defined requirement into a structured, repeatable delivery model. The result was a clean, well-organised comms environment that demonstrated the value of getting infrastructure decisions right early.
Key takeaways for organisations refurbishing office IT infrastructure.
Re‑occupying office space is rarely a straightforward exercise. This project demonstrates how addressing legacy infrastructure early and designing with future phases in mind, allows organisations to make better use of the buildings they already have while reducing risk and avoiding short‑term fixes.
Extend your IT team with Scenariio.
Delivering infrastructure is only part of the picture. For IT teams, the real challenge is ensuring everything works together, both now and as your environment evolves.
Scenariio works as an extension of your IT function, bringing the expertise, resource and coordination needed to deliver infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with your wider systems. Our integration-by-design approach ensures every element is considered from the outset, avoiding silos and reducing rework later.
From initial design through to delivery and beyond, we remain accountable. With post-project support and maintenance packages in place, you have a partner who can respond quickly, resolve issues and help you get the best long-term outcome from your investment.
