Works commence on new NT Department of Health headquarters

Monica Gameng   |   July 29, 2018

Demolition works have commenced on the old Cavenagh House building in Darwin. For the demolition package, Hutchinson Builders has been engaged to complete the works. The demolition of the old building will pave the way for the construction of the new NT Department of Health headquarters.

Earlier this year, Sandran Pty Ltd has been appointed as the preferred builder to deliver the new building. The company is going to be funding the construction of the building, whereas the State Government is going to pay for lease once the building is up and operational.

Sandran is committed to utilise up to 95 per cent local suppliers and contractors to deliver the new building, with $1.5 million for 17 demolition related work packages already subcontracted - 16 of which have been awarded to Territory Enterprises.

“During the construction and delivery of the project, we are very committed to employing local people to help deliver the project. We are working with a wide range of local businesses and individuals including local architects, engineers and town planners through to supporting apprentices, trainees and local sub-contractors,” Sandran property Group Managing Director William Philips said.

Demolition works commenced in May 2018 and is due to be completed by September.

The new building that will replace the old Cavenagh House has been named Manunda Place to commemorate the WWII hospital ship AHS Manunda that played a vital role following the bombing of Darwin in 1942.

The new building at Cavenagh Street will feature:

  • Greening the exterior of Energy House and improving the building’s façade
  • A child care centre on the ground floor
  • A capital contribution to the City of Darwin to upgrade and green Litchfield Street
  • A new 320 bay public car park in Litchfield Street – which will cost approximately $12 million

Manunda Place will have the Department of Health as the anchor tenant - occupying 7,000-SQM - and the Department of Corporate and Information Services will be relocating to the new building from their shared services functions on Casuarina and Palmerston.

Approximately 270 public servants will be relocating to the new building in the Darwin CBD.

“Our vision for this project is to reactivate the Cavenagh, Knuckey and Litchfield Street network to create a vibrant destination and a ‘sense of place’. The name Manunda Place allows us to pay respect to the lifesaving actions of the hospital crew on board the HMAHS Manunda during the Bombing of Darwin, whilst connecting it to the projects anchor tenant, the Department of Health and building on our vision to create a sense of place,” Mr Philips said.

Major construction works on Manunda Place is expected to create up to 250 local jobs. The new building is due to be completed in mid-2020.

Subscribe to Felix Project News today to receive the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox.

 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects
Brisbane's second largest demolition project underway for Cross River Rail

More works are underway to complete the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project in Queensland, with the beginning of demolition works on the Landcentre building and former South Brisbane Dental Hospital in Woolloongabba.

Projects
Early works have begun on the new Roma Hospital in Queensland

Work has begun on the $70 million new Roma Hospital, beginning with two early works packages. Early works include the full program of pathology refurbishment and relocation, with works expected to be completed by mid-December 2016.

Projects
Tenders called for old Royal Adelaide Hospital demolition works

Tenders are being called for the first demolition works package for the old Royal Adelaide Hospital. The demolition works on the old hospital building is expected to be the largest South Australia has ever seen, and it will be creating significant demand for the industry for approximately four years as well as supporting local jobs – including up to 600 construction jobs.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.