Construction begins on genU’s new headquarters

CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new headquarters for genU (formerly Karingal St Laurence).

The $15 million project will continue investment in the Geelong region and further establish the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence for personal injury and disability.

The state-of-the-art building at Reynolds Road, Belmont will house almost 300 genU staff, including disability, aged care and employment services divisions.

Builder 4Square Constructions will source 70 per cent of building materials from local suppliers, further driving investment into the local economy.

genU enlisted NOW Architecture to design the three-storey, 3,100sqm building which is environmentally friendly and will have minimal impact on the surrounding residential context and scale.

Chief executive officer of genU Mike McKinstry said the project showed the organisation’s commitment to investing in the Geelong region.

“While we have recently rebranded to genU, and now operate in every state except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, the Barwon region will always be our home and we feel our new head office reflects that.

“We’re committed to helping build a stronger Geelong, alongside other organisations like WorkCover, TAC and VicRoads, and we’re now one of the top 5 providers of disability and lifestyle services in Australia.

“This building will also provide cost savings across our business, as we vacate a number of leases and move our staff into our new home.”

The head office design incorporates light shelves to decrease direct heat and glare and increase occupant comfort.

The design also features timber concrete composite floors and this hybridization enables designers to reduce cross sections, increase spans, and streamline structures in pursuit of sustainable architecture.

The building also features a cafe, commercial kitchen, outdoor seating areas, public and staff bicycle loops as well as 139 dedicated car spaces.

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2018.