Geelong Civic HQ approaching construction milestone

The perimeter of structural steel is currently nearing completion on level one and the steel ‘V’ columns and beams will connect internally to the manufactured timber elements. From the commencement of level two in mid to late July, all the structural elements will be manufactured timber, up to an including level four. Finally, the building will be topped off with a steel roof structure.

BESIX Watpac is constructing the project for property private equity group, Quintessential Equity which is delivering the new council administrative precinct for the City of Greater Geelong under a Public Private Partnership.

The inclusion of manufactured timber as a key material is central to the COX Architecture design which has achieved a 6 Star Green Building Council Australia rating for sustainability, the highest possible.

Project Manager Shane O’Connor says the key focus for BESIX Watpac is maximising local employment through engaging local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible.

“Local subcontractors to the Geelong region account for 59% by value of packages awarded to date and 11.5% of the workers inducted on the project thus far have been employed or upskilled specifically for this job.”

“As the project advances and particularly as we reach the fit-out phase, the level of local subcontractor involvement will significantly increase,” Shane said.

The project is scheduled for completion mid next year.