Labor Member for Bellarine and Minister for Water, Lisa Neville today marked the commencement of Barwon Water’s $29 million head office refurbishment.
The Ryrie Street building, which was constructed in 1977, will be gutted and updated to meet modern standards.
The redevelopment will see the building become energy efficient and includes expansion to the west, an infill between the existing buildings, new basement car park, and a new pedestrian link connecting Ryrie Street to the arts precinct and a café and community hub.
Barwon Water will hand the Ryrie Street building to construction contractor Monaco Hickey this week, with demolition work to begin before the end of September. Construction is scheduled to start later this year.
The refurbishment will see up to 100 jobs to be created during construction, with the project representing a boost to the regional economy. Contractor Monaco Hickey has sought to engage local trades where possible for the project.
Barwon Water employees are currently split across several outdated offices. Consolidating the organisation’s corporate activities in a multi-functional building will result in efficiencies and increased productivity. Reductions of up to 45 per cent on maintenance, operational and energy costs and reduced travel time between offices are expected.
Importantly, the project will be price neutral, with operational savings and consolidation of buildings to fund the work.
The project is on track for completion by mid-2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“The refurbished building will provide a flexible, modern workplace, accommodating all of Barwon Water’s Geelong-based employees under one roof.”
“This project represents a significant investment in Geelong and will play a major part in the revitalisation of the central business district.”
“In addition to the jobs created during construction, the refurbished building will be home to an additional 100-plus Barwon Water employees from the corporation’s South Geelong office. This will generate ongoing flow-on effects for local CBD traders and opportunities for growth.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020