Constructing an innovative early learning facility in rapidly growing Melbourne suburb

Mitchell Shire Council, in conjunction with the Victorian State Government, awarded SHAPE (formerly KLMSA) to build a re-locatable early learning facility in a new development. Newbridge Estate, east of Wallan in Melbourne’s outer-north, is a huge growth area and required a kindergarten with three fully functional kindergarten rooms, two maternal child health consulting rooms, shared office space, amenities and landscaped play space.

Modular construction was the perfect solution for this project as the intention is to utilise the structure for up to five years until a permanent building is established. The modular building will then be repurposed at the next growth area in the Mitchell Council region.

This project was designed, and modular building commenced prior to site identification. Once confirmed by the Council, the allocated site was within an area undergoing subdivision by a developer and on a fill site. No services were connected and there was no schedule for completion. There were many challenges; for example, our team implemented a Surefoot foundation system to overcome ground challenges and without connection to the electrical grid, we established the initial power source via a generator.

Despite the challenges, our team worked closely with the Project Manager to work through the obstacles of this newly established site to deliver successfully for commencement of the school year in January 2021.