Chapter 2 The Proposed Works

Purpose

2.1                   The purpose of the proposed works is to:

n  provide improved security and operational efficiencies;[1]

n  allow AusAID to relocate to new premises upon expiry of the lease on its existing premises;[2]

n  provide a customised, integrated fit-out designed to meet AusAID’s needs;[3]

n  provide maximum flexibility for the accommodation of staff and operations;[4] and

n  ensure compliance with relevant building codes, meet modern environmental standards and deliver associated cost efficiencies.[5]

Need

2.2                   AusAID currently occupies 9,556 square metres of office accommodation at 62 Northbourne Avenue, City, ACT, which it has leased since 1987.[6]

2.3                   The need for the proposed work has been prompted by:

n  the expiry on 31 July 2007 of AusAID’s present lease;

n  ageing infrastructure and services in the current 30-year-old premises, which have exceeded their economically useful lives;

n  high ongoing maintenance and refurbishment costs associated with remaining in the current, ageing premises;

n  the inability of the current premises to meet modern standards in respect of occupational health and safety (OH&S), disability access, security, building code requirements, ecological sustainability and energy efficiency, security and general amenity and presentation;

n  the low proportion of usable floor space due to the inflexible floor plate of the current premises; and

n  the fact that the current leased area is slightly surplus to the agency’s needs.[7]

Scope

2.4                   The proposed fit-out will comprise:

n  integration of electrical, mechanical, communications, security, fire and hydraulic services into base-building works;[8] and

n  a tenant fit-out above the base building, including reception, executive offices, workstations, breakout and meeting spaces; computer room, storage, conference and training facilities; first aid room, sick room, amenities, parent / carer room, kitchens and ablutions; multi-denominational prayer room; and ASIO T4‑standard secure areas.[9]

Project Delivery

2.5                   AudAID proposes to integrate the fit-out with base building construction.  The project will be delivered by a specialist fit-out architect service and project manager.[10]

2.6                   The project will be managed by an AusAID steering committee, which will oversee the design, fit-out and relocation, and will also manage external consultants, including the fit-out project manager and designers.[11]

Cost

2.7                   The estimated cost of the proposed fit-out of new leased premises for AusAID is $9.5 million, excluding GST.  This figure includes:

n  furniture and fittings;

n  partitions, ceilings and doors;

n  services and infrastructure;

n  preliminaries;

n  professional fees;

n  a contingency sum; and

n  an escalation allowance.[12]