La Trobe University identified underutilised and aging building stock that, as part of a staged Space Optimisation Master Program, could increase value to the University through redevelopment. The works were predominately funded by the University, with some Commonwealth government funding.

Package 5 consisted of three elements at the Bendigo campus, of which Johnstaff managed the first two elements. Element 1 consisted of the fit out of an existing shell space on Level 4 in the Engineering & Technology building for the Health and Biomedical Sciences Teaching and Research Hub. Element 2 required the demolition of existing teaching spaces and fit out of new Teaching and Research spaces in the GDP / CSC Building, including PC2 labs, research spaces and teaching labs.

Johnstaff was engaged to provide Project Management services during the Tender and Construction phases. Johnstaff assisted with review of the tenders received, managed the tender clarification process and finalised this phase with the management of the contract execution with the preferred contractor.

The tenders received were over budget and over the required programme duration. Market conditions at the time of tender close impacted the cost and availability of materials, and increased risks associated with subcontractor procurement. These market factors were evidenced in the project pricing and programme. Johnstaff led a detailed value management exercise to explore options to reduce the tender price overrun. This included re-specification of materials and review of scope.

Johnstaff also managed the coordination of the documentation to obtain Building Permits on time. Notwithstanding these challenges, the project was completed in late 2023, prior to the start of the 2024 university year.