Foundation Park

The challenge

JP Morgan Asset Management differentiates itself from other asset managers by focusing on making their products best in class. Foundation Park houses a mixture of global companies, and, as part of the next phase of its development, they wanted to create an exciting space for tenants. 

Previously, Foundation Park had faced a number of connectivity concerns. Firstly, the on-site café was suffering from poor bandwidth constraints, making it difficult to use the payment system. Secondly, any new technology introduced to the park would have to be retrofitted as four of the buildings were already fully operational. 

One of the biggest issues faced by the real estate sector in the UK is the abundance of existing properties and buildings. Retrofitting buildings with connectivity is crucial for avoiding their obsolescence. Projects that involve retrofitting buildings can present many challenges and requires a lot of planning.
 

The solution

When Backbone Connect approached Foundation Park, Building 5 was under construction. To improve connectivity through the entire park, Backbone Connect suggested using Building 5 as a springboard, replacing the way tenants procure connectivity with a centralised landlord network that could be utilised across all of the buildings. 

Foundation Park’s biggest concern for the project was the utilisation of microwave technology (rather than physical fibre) to connect the buildings. In the end, the project exceeded JP Morgan’s expectations. Backbone Connect was able to design a solution that was bespoke and delivered what they needed.

All four of the existing buildings on site were connected to Building 5 via end-to-end encrypted microwave antennas and receive internet without tenants having to physically connect to the building or traditional fibre from the ground. 

“It’s great to see an established largely fully let park embrace a retrofit connectivity solution that not only enables new occupiers to move in quickly through Plug and Play internet, but also provides existing occupiers with a low-cost high capacity internet solution,” says Dan Gilbert, Backbone Connected Buildings Team Manager.  

Backbone Connect was able to right-size solutions based on incoming tenants' needs. By providing the best service in the shortest amount of time, tenants were impressed with the speed at which they were able to move in and be fully connected, due to the availability of live fibre.

“Backbone Connect delivered what they promised, enhancing connectivity throughout Foundation Park and meeting tenant's specific needs by providing the best service in the shortest amount of time,” says Paul Harris, Senior Asset Manager at Foundation Park.

The results

Backbone Connect are now a key connectivity partner for JP Morgan Asset Management.

“We’ve built a trusted relationship with the asset managers at Foundation Park. We have worked with them on three of their key projects across the London and the UK.” Comments Dan.