The World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre inVirus Reference and Research is a designated centre of excellence in virology.It encompasses much of the virological activities of the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL). Given the similar nature of the works undertaken, the parties agreed to relocate all of the activities associated with the WHO Influenza Centre into the existing VIDRL building with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
The facility includes collaborative research and laboratory facilities. The project involved the full refurbishment of the exiting VIDRL building, a 1950s building with significant deficiencies in services infrastructure, façade condition and functionality.
Johnstaff was appointed to provide an integrated ProjectManagement and Construction Management service for all phases of there development, including design and construction phases. Johnstaff led all aspects of the capital delivery of the project, including establishing all project management and construction management systems and processes. Our team engaged, led and managed all design consultants and trade contractors during the life of project.
To manage the complexity of delivering high containment laboratory facilities (new PC2 and PC3), while meeting NATA and AQIS accreditation requirements we developed a bespoke risk workshop process to support the fast-tracked construction delivery. This collaborative and strategic approach to design review and coordination ensured compliance was achieved and provided the necessary site and OH&S management to deliver the project. The existing VIDRL facility remained fully operational 24/7 during there development as we developed and implemented complex staging strategies.
