Geelong commercial projects win at MBV awards

A TRIO of commercial building projects in Geelong have won four of the six gongs between them in this year’s Master Builders Victoria (MBV) South West Regional Building Awards.

Announced last week, the awards recognise the excellent work of MBV’s commercial master builders in regional Victoria.

Lyons Construction won Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $10.5 million for The Court Precinct at Sacred Heart College in Newtown.

Exposed pre-cast concrete columns are a feature of the space both internally and externally, which houses 13 general learning areas, five science labs, 2D and 3D art, electronics, fibres and fabrics spaces, collaborative and breakout spaces, gathering spaces, staff rooms, amenities and a striking brass cafe.

Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Rebecca Casson said The Court had been architecturally designed with minimalist elements contrasted with high-quality finishes.

“Extensive external works were undertaken including the construction of a northern pergola exiting the atrium to the north and linking back within the heart of the campus,” Ms Casson said.

“This paved thoroughfare is dubbed ‘The Way’ and a large-grassed quadrant is situated adjacent.

“Cast bronze discs have also been installed celebrating historical milestones of the college.”

Rendine Constructions won South West Regional Commercial Builder of the Year as well as Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings between $6 million and $10.5 million for the Marcus Oldham College Learning Centre at Waurn Ponds.

Construction of the Marcus Oldham Learning Centre involved knocking down an existing structure and building a new multi-storey learning centre with a 24-seat boardroom, meeting room, an amphitheatre with three transitional learning spaces, IT offices and digital hub, toilet facilities, kitchenette, external amphitheatre and landscaping.

“The design needed to be a contemporary, bespoke building which tells the story to staff, students and alumni that Marcus Oldham College is bringing agriculture into the 21st century,” Ms Casson said.

“The building was designed to suit the college’s long-term operations while incorporating the learning centre’s state-of-the-art technology.”

Bowden Corporation’s work on the Cotton On Beckley office in North Geelong won the award for Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings between $3 million and $6 million.

The build includes triple skin brickwork, imported stone and ornate ceilings, five-star restaurant, a common area and amenities and a New York-style grand entrance.

Ms Casson said the quality of construction was second to none, both internally and externally.

“The Beckley Project creates space that not only the Cotton On Group employees can enjoy on a day-to-day basis but also an incredible sense of arrival to the Cotton On global head office for guests and visitors, many of whom are international guests.

“The creative team behind the design worked closely with the key stakeholders at Cotton On to ensure the product was delivered to the highest standard with an immense focus on welcome, execution and detail.”

The two other awards – Best Sustainable Project and the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings between $1 million and $3 million – both went to Nicholson Construction for the Gunditj Mirring Keeping Place at Heywood.