Building economic boost into Geelong’s Civic Precinct
Watpac will soon commence construction of the City of Greater Geelong’s exciting new Civic Precinct which will set benchmarks for sustainability and social procurement.
Diversified property group, Quintessential Equity and the City of Greater Geelong have appointed Watpac to deliver the office and active space precinct which will become the City’s new administrative heart and provide a contemporary office environment for 900 employees.
Local economic stimulus underpins the $82 million project with Quintessential Equity and Watpac aiming to achieve local procurement above 60% and generate up to 900 jobs with local subcontractors and suppliers.
Sustainability is another feature of the project which has a 6 Star Green Building Council Australia rating, the highest possible. Designed by COX Architecture, the building has achieved its green credentials through energy, waste and water efficiencies, rooftop solar and the use of manufactured cross laminated timber for the structure.
Watpac General Manager for Victoria and South Australia, Simon Ballard, believes the project is a great example of community benefit and sustainability.
“Watpac has a proud history of serving regional cities across Australia and the Civic Precinct shows how we can maximise the stimulus effect of every dollar spent while delivering an environmental outcome that’s second to none,” Simon said.
“The project is a credit to Quintessential Equity and the City of Greater Geelong and the and it’s an honour for Watpac to be the partner to deliver for the city and the community.”
The project is also engaging with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, with the goal of co-designing meaningful representations of Wadawurrung culture and heritage within the precinct.
The City of Greater Geelong, Quintessential Equity and Watpac are signatories of the G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) Compact which aims to maximise economic and social outcomes in the region.
Watpac Project Manager Matt Radcliffe is urging local subcontractors and suppliers to register their interest.
“We want to hear from all building industry subcontractors and suppliers to understand what they have to offer this project,” he said.
“Where we have no option but to engage subcontractors from outside the City of Greater Geelong, we want them to source materials locally where possible.
“We will also be asking all subcontractors to specify at the time of their tender, how they intend to benefit the local community through employment, training and supplies,” Matt said.
Local subcontractors and suppliers should register their interest by emailing enquiries_cogg@watpac.com.au or connecting through the ICN Portal at gateway.icn.org.au
Construction is expected to start within weeks and the project is targeting completion by mid 2022.
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