Rocare is currently delivering a university refurbishment project at Bournemouth University, converting six former teaching spaces in Poole House into a Cyber Competence Centre. Commissioned through the university’s Estates team, the project forms part of a wider national investment in digital skills and cyber education, with the new facility set to launch in April 2026.

The brief required our team to convert six existing teaching rooms within the occupied Poole House building into a suite of high-specification learning and simulation environments. The scope includes a fully refurbished teaching and simulation suite alongside a dedicated Zen Space, designed to support the wellbeing of students and staff working in a high-pressure academic discipline.

All works are being delivered within an eight-week programme, with careful sequencing to minimise disruption across the wider campus throughout.

A Project Built Around Precision and Planning

Delivering an educational facilities refurbishment within a live university environment demands more than standard construction practice. Our approach prioritises close coordination with the Estates team, clear communication at every stage, and a programme structured to protect ongoing university operations.

Key elements of the project include:

  • Total refurbishment of six previously used teaching spaces.
  • Creation of specialist cyber simulation and teaching facilities.
  • Installation of a new Zen Space to support student and staff wellbeing.
  • Delivery within a structured eight-week construction programme.
  • Active coordination with the university’s Estates team throughout.

Supporting a National Investment in Cyber Skills

Bournemouth University received nearly £2.3 million from the Office for Students to develop the new Cyber Competence Centre, addressing regional and national cyber skills gaps. The centre is designed to give students hands-on experience in realistic cyber threat scenarios, working alongside industry partners to build the skills the sector urgently needs.

Professor Vasilis Katos, Professor in Cyber Security at Bournemouth University, speaks to the human pressures driving the need for this kind of provision:

“We are seeing high levels of burnout in the industry, which is being exacerbated by the intensity of AI-driven attacks . . . So unlike many other cyber centres, we will be integrating mental health support into cyber resilience programmes.”

Our role in the physical delivery of this project reflects our broader capability in educational refurbishment. Converting existing academic space into a facility of this specification requires a team with proven experience in building project management, a thorough understanding of compliance within occupied buildings, and the construction expertise to deliver a technically demanding brief on time.

Rocare’s Experience in Education Sector Refurbishment

As a unit, we have a strong track record in the education sector and deliver refurbishment and fit-out projects for schools, colleges and universities across the South of England. Our understanding of the operational demands placed on educational environments means projects are planned and delivered with minimal impact on the people who use them every day.

From interior fit-out to full commercial building refurbishment, our team brings the same attention to detail and commitment to quality to every project, regardless of scale or complexity. Our relationship with Bournemouth University spans multiple projects, including the Bournemouth University Wellbeing Centre and a previous Bournemouth University fit-out, reflecting the long-term client relationships that Rocare consistently builds in the education sector.

Talk to Rocare About Your University Refurbishment Project

Bringing disused or outdated academic space back into use takes more than good intentions. It takes a construction partner with the planning capability, sector knowledge and on-site expertise to make it happen without disrupting the institution around it.

Rocare are trusted building refurbishment specialist with extensive experience delivering projects across the education sector. From complex interior fit-outs to full-scale commercial building refurbishment, our team manages every stage of the process with care, precision and clear communication. Our long-standing relationships with clients in education, healthcare and beyond reflect a business built on reliability and genuine partnership.

Call 01425 482000 or arrange a consultation to discuss your next university refurbishment project.