Complete Refurbishment of Bournemouth University Cyber Competence Centre

Six Classrooms Reborn as a Cyber Training Ground

Rocare was appointed by Bournemouth University’s Estates team to transform six redundant teaching rooms within the occupied Poole House building into a purpose-built Cyber Competence Centre. The new facility, which opened in April 2026, forms part of the university’s broader strategy to expand its digital skills and cyber security provision.

The scope of works covered the complete reconfiguration of six former classrooms into a high-specification learning and simulation environment, complete with a dedicated Zen Space to support the wellbeing of students and staff engaged in demanding cyber security study.

Refurbishing a Live Campus Without Missing a Lecture

Working within a live, occupied university building presented a distinct set of demands:

• Minimal Disruption: Poole House remained in use throughout the works, requiring careful sequencing to avoid interference with teaching and daily campus operations.
• Technical Complexity: The brief called for the conversion of general-purpose teaching space into specialist cyber simulation facilities, requiring close attention to technical specification and compliance.
• Tight Programme: The entire refurbishment was scheduled for delivery within an eight-week window.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Success depended on continuous liaison with the university’s Estates team to align progress with the institution’s operational calendar.

Sequencing Six Rooms into an Eight-Week Window

Rocare structured the project around three core principles: careful planning, close client collaboration, and protection of the university’s day-to-day operations.

Scope of works delivered:

• Full refurbishment of six previously used teaching rooms.
• Fit-out of specialist cyber simulation and teaching facilities.
• Installation of a new Zen Space to support student and staff wellbeing.
• Delivery against a structured eight-week construction programme.
• Ongoing coordination with the university’s Estates team throughout the build.

This approach allowed the project team to maintain momentum on a technically demanding fit-out while keeping the wider campus running as normal.

Built for Threat Simulation, and for Student Wellbeing

The Cyber Competence Centre is backed by close to £2.3 million in funding from the Office for Students, aimed at closing regional and national gaps in cyber security skills. Once open, the facility will give students hands-on exposure to realistic cyber threat scenarios, developed in partnership with industry.

Professor Vasilis Katos, Professor in Cyber Security at Bournemouth University, highlighted the human dimension behind the centre’s design:

“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.”

This informed the inclusion of the Zen Space within the scope, reflecting a facility designed not only for technical training but for the wellbeing of those who will use it.

Delivering this brief required more than standard fit-out capability. It called for a contractor experienced in building project management within occupied premises, well-versed in compliance requirements, and equipped to handle a technically exacting specification within a fixed timeframe.

A Third Project on the Same Campus

Rocare holds a well-established track record delivering refurbishment and fit-out projects for schools, colleges and universities across the South of England. This project builds on an existing relationship with Bournemouth University, having previously delivered the Bournemouth University Wellbeing Centre and an earlier Bournemouth University fit-out project.

This continuity reflects the long-term client relationships Rocare builds across the education sector; relationships built on a consistent standard of quality and attention to detail, whether the project is a full commercial refurbishment or a smaller-scale interior fit-out.

From Disused Classrooms to a National Skills Asset

The Cyber Competence Centre is on track for its planned launch in April 2026, delivered within the agreed eight-week programme and with minimal disruption to the ongoing operation of Poole House. The completed facility will provide Bournemouth University with a specialist environment for cyber security education, combining technical simulation capability with dedicated wellbeing provision — a model that reflects the evolving demands of the sector it serves.

Partner with Rocare on Your Next University Project

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

Rocare is a trusted building refurbishment specialist with extensive experience across the education sector, from complex interior fit-outs to full-scale commercial building refurbishment. Our long-standing relationships with clients in education, healthcare and beyond reflect a business built on reliability and genuine partnership.

Call 01425 482000 or complete our contact form to arrange a consultation to discuss your next university refurbishment project.