Main Contractor: Kier Major Projects

Site: T1, Kings Cross, London N1C

Project Date: February 2021

Project Status: Complete

Services: IT consultancy, troubleshooting, network installation, car park network infrastructure

 The Challenge: Bridging the Gap Between Specification and Reality

SAND IT was invited to support this project following the successful delivery of three previous buildings on the King’s Cross estate.

During our consultancy and troubleshooting phase, we identified a critical issue:

There was a disconnect between the written specification and the practical, on-site deliverables.

For example:

• The car park was required to be remotely managed from another location on the estate — but no technical pathway existed to achieve this.
• Public realm CCTV integration lacked a defined cabling strategy.
• Lift phone connectivity had not been properly coordinated.
• Cabling routes and hand-off points between contractors were unclear.

Without intervention, these gaps would have created delays, commissioning issues, and potential handover risks.

This wasn’t just a network installation.
It required strategic coordination across multiple contractors.

 The Solution: Proactive IT Consultancy & Integrated Network Design

Using our GAP analysis report, we worked closely with Kier’s project manager to obtain direct access to all subcontractors.

Rather than relying solely on high-level meetings, we:

• Engaged directly with subcontractors
• Met with lead engineers and site supervisors
• Conducted on-site reviews
• Clarified scope at ground level
• Built a clear, deliverable method of works

This hands-on approach ensured that every requirement was captured and translated into practical, installable infrastructure.

Two Networks. One Integrated Estate Strategy.

To meet the project requirements, we designed and deployed two dedicated networks:

1. Property Management Network

Supporting the building’s operational team, including:

• Reception
• First-floor management office
• WiFi coverage throughout key areas
• Lift phone lines and handsets

We also corrected the cabling design, ensuring the M&E contractor installed structured cabling to the correct hand-off points and properly linked communications rooms.

This eliminated ambiguity and reduced risk during commissioning.

2. Car Park Network Infrastructure

The new car park required secure, high-performance connectivity capable of remote management.

We delivered:

• Blown fibre connectivity linking the car park to the wider King’s Cross estate network
• Secure internet access
• Segmented, security-driven network architecture

This enabled:

• Credit card payment processing
• Number plate recognition (ANPR) system integration
• Automated gate operation
• Intercom connectivity to a remote location
• Secure remote access for the car park operator and Network Operations Centre

The result: a fully operational, remotely managed car park infrastructure aligned with estate-wide systems.

Additional Public Realm Connectivity

Beyond the building and car park, we also delivered:

• Connectivity and hand-off for external lighting contractors
• Structured cabling and network access for public realm CCTV cameras (viewable in the central control room)
• Public realm WiFi integration
• Phone lines for lifts
• WiFi coverage for reception, management offices, and the on-site gym

Every system connected.
Every contractor aligned.
No last-minute surprises at handover.

The Benefits: Repeat Appointments Across the King’s Cross Estate

For Kier and Argent, the value extended beyond installation.

SAND IT brought:

• Deep experience in large-scale London developments
• Direct working relationships with the King’s Cross estate management team
• A proactive, solutions-led approach
• A willingness to engage at engineer level — not just in boardroom discussions

On complex construction projects, delays often occur when technical conversations stay theoretical.

We focus on delivery — translating specification into real-world, working infrastructure

Achievements:

The success of T1 led to further appointments by Kier Construction, including:

• Plot R7 – The Pink Building, Handyside Street, King’s Cross
• Plot P2 at King’s Cross (New Meta office development)

For us, repeat business on one of London’s most prestigious estates is the ultimate measure of success.