In March 2019, Rawlinsons was contracted by Building Management & Works, on behalf of the Education Department, to provide full cost management services, excluding a Bill of Quantities, for the Belridge Secondary College’s new Performing Arts Centre.
With a total budget of $5.1 million, the project consisted of the construction of a new performing arts theatre with retractable seating accommodating 238 people, as well as the refurbishment of the adjoining existing dance studio. The refurbishment also houses a new foyer and amenities. A small portion of external works also forms part of the contract and includes a new ramp from the existing car park to the new entrance foyer. There is a new attached covered walkway which connects into the existing school student arterial thoroughfare.
Rawlinsons diligent attention to detail during the estimating stage ensured that this project remained within budget. Considerable time was spent working with the design team to make sure the refurbishment of the existing dance studio stayed within the project scope.
Rawlinsons pre-tender estimate was competitive, and the contract was awarded to the successful tenderer in March 2020. As expected, when working within an existing building, there were challenges faced. Therefore, a healthy contingency was kept in place to cater for the unforeseen costs involved. The ‘As Constructed’ drawings were not always reliable, there were changes to construction standards since the initial 1994 build and other existing services that were unknown to all contributed to these unknown factors.
The project tracked well within budget and within the short construction timeframe. A successful result for all parties involved.
