East Surrey College - IT Classroom Refurbishments

Ash were appointed to transform four existing classrooms in A-Block into two large, fully equipped IT suites. The refurbishment included:

• Installation of over 40 new floor boxes to provide power and data to workstations

• Upgraded ventilation to support higher occupancy levels

• Servicing and optimisation of existing air-conditioning units

• New flooring, decoration and smart lighting to create bright, professional spaces

The IT suites required extensive M&E adaptations, including:

• Running new power and data routes across the floor plan

• Ensuring all services remained coordinated with desk layouts and accessibility requirements

• Upgrading ventilation in line with increased heat loads from IT equipment

• Maintaining a tight programme within the summer break

• Working above and adjacent to spaces still used by staff during periods of the works

The increased electrical and data demand added additional complexity to sequencing and commissioning.

We structured the programme around M&E first, ensuring all underlying services were completed early.

Key actions included:

• Detailed coordination with the college’s IT department for cable management and workstation layouts

• Early installation of power routes and floor boxes to secure sequencing certainty

• Servicing AC units before final decoration to avoid rework

• Ensuring flooring and finishes were installed only after all cabling and testing were complete

The new IT suites provide:

• Modern, high-capacity teaching spaces

• Significantly improved power and data infrastructure

• Enhanced ventilation and comfort for high-occupancy use

• A clean, bright and professional environment aligned with modern digital teaching standards

All works were delivered on time and ready for the new academic year.