MCWA are constructing a Residential Care Facility (RCF) to meet a growing demand. TheMiddle Swan facility is designed to meet MCWA’s vision of “a community where individuals of all ages and circumstances can love life”. The site, which was previously a primary school, was purchased with the intent of building a124-bed RCF with a dementia specific component in stage 1 and a future retirement village with co-shard amenities in stage 2.

Johnstaff were engaged to provide full Project Management and Superintendent services from project inception through to completion. Johnstaff have also provided input into the Master Plan for the site.

A key challenge of the project was the uncertainty surrounding the timing for future stages of the development within the overall Master Plan. Johnstaff continued to assist MCWA with progressing design outcomes for the RCF in the interest of future proofing the overall development, not just what was easiest for RCF.

COVID-19had a significant impact on the project. Initially there was uncertainty as to whether the project would proceed into construction.  Once the project re-commenced there was significant redesign undertaken to factor in COVID related provisions.  During construction there were material and labour shortages, which necessitated a collaborative and lateral thinking approach in order to keep the project moving forward.

Johnstaff assisted with complex and protracted authority negotiations regarding a request to install a concrete slab over the full extent gas main within the verge around the site. This concluded with the authority withdrawing its request, which saved MCWA a considerable sum of money.

There were a significant number of Client changes during the construction phase. Johnstaff provided unbiased advice on all items to ensure MCWA were able to make informed decisions.  This was managed closely in order to minimise program delays and inflated costs.