Main Contractor: Mclaren Construction

Site: Nile Street, London EC1

Project Date: July 2019

Project Status: Complete with ongoing maintenance and network support

Services: IT Consultancy, network design & installation,  car park connectivity

The Challenge:

SAND IT was initially introduced to McLaren Construction to deliver a simple temporary reception setup for the incoming management company.

That “small job” quickly evolved.

As the project moved into its commissioning and testing phase, McLaren needed specialist IT expertise to help the development reach Practical Completion — and time was running out.

Multiple contractors were on site.
Multiple systems needed integrating.
Requirements were evolving.
And the delivery window was tight.

Without a coordinated network strategy, delays were inevitable — and Practical Completion was at risk.

The Solution:

We began with a full consultancy and discovery phase, engaging directly with every contractor on site, including the incoming building management company.

Our role was clear:
Bring clarity. Define scope. Remove ambiguity.

We worked alongside McLaren to:

• Capture and document all technical requirements
• Identify what was in scope vs. out of scope
• Clarify additional cost items requiring stakeholder approval
• Align all contractors under one cohesive network plan

Once agreed, we designed and implemented a robust, future-ready network infrastructure to support the entire building.

Our network enabled:

• BMS contractor connectivity with secure remote access to their off-site headend controller
• CCTV and access control systems with reliable internet and network access
• EV charging stations and underground car park WiFi
• Car lift connectivity, including phone line and remote diagnostics
• Reception and shared amenity areas (cinema, gym, library, co-working space) with full WiFi coverage and hosted VoIP phones
• Passenger lift monitoring systems, including emergency call-out lines
• Electric metering systems and solar panel control connectivity for landlord reporting

Every stakeholder.
Every system.
One coordinated infrastructure.

The Benefits:  

By engaging SAND IT as a specialist IT partner, McLaren removed the technical burden from their internal project team.

We became their technical interpreter, advisor, and delivery partner — translating complex IT requirements into clear commercial decisions.

This meant:

• Reduced project risk
• Clear visibility of costs and scope
• Seamless contractor coordination
• No last-minute surprises during commissioning
• A fully integrated building ready for handover

Most importantly, McLaren could focus on delivering the build — while we ensured the technology worked flawlessly behind the scenes.

The Result:

Through close collaboration and proactive project management, all contractors successfully completed their commissioning and testing phases.

McLaren Construction achieved Practical Completion on time and within budget.

The success of this project led to further collaborations, including:

• Setting up McLaren’s site office at King’s Cross
• Delivering connectivity solutions for Plot R8

What started as a temporary reception setup became a long-term working partnership.