Multiplex takes home the 2022 Best Project of the Year award

The expansion of Karrinyup Shopping Centre by Multiplex has won the 2022 Bankwest Best Project award in a year of extraordinary challenges for the commercial building industry.

After a tough two years of dealing with the ever-shifting COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the annual Master Builders-Bankwest Excellence In Construction Awards was a great way for the Master Builders Association of Western Australia to host the commercial building industry and members.

Held on Saturday July 16 at Crown Perth, the awards saw 16 judges assessing more than 80 entries across 18 categories.

The Karrinyup Shopping Centre project involved the expansion of the existing centre from about 59,600sqm to 114,000sqm Gross Lettable Area. The project comprised the refurbishment of the existing centre, the upgrade to existing major tenancies, substantial car parking provision and road infrastructure.

Throughout the construction, Multiplex successfully worked in a live environment with an objective to minimise the disruption to shoppers as far as possible, while ensuring safety remained the number-one priority.

Helping to deliver state-of-the-art finishes – unlikely to be repeated on the same scale – at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre redevelopment, Cubic took home the Subcontractor of the Year award.

The finishes were inspired by the coastal setting, with Cubic assisting the design team in creating bespoke, feature timber and plasterboard ceilings reminiscent of the surrounding rolling dunes.

Chief Judge Robert Shaw said the project was an outstanding example of high-standard workmanship.

“The entries in this year’s awards displayed first-class workmanship and the highest construction standards of WA builders,” Mr Shaw said. “Selecting a winner this year was difficult, as majority of the projects the judges saw were diverse and top tier.”

The awards showcase and reward members for demonstrating first-quality craftsmanship, commitment to building excellence and the highest professional standards.

I was impressed by the high calibre of entries in a uniquely difficult year.

During such unprecedented times, we were pleased to see our members continuing to strive for excellence.

It has been an extremely challenging year and, despite setbacks, we have seen some incredible work produced.

BGC Construction won 2022 Best Regional Project for its Treendale Farm Hotel project, which was delivered in three stages with the bottle shop being available for fit-out and stocking four weeks prior to practical completion.

In addition, the kitchen was two weeks ahead of practical completion for training and stocking.

The balance of the works, including landscaping were all delivered on time. The finishes and fittings specified were of the highest quality and required experienced trades for the installation. Local subcontractors were all keen to be part of this project.

The ability of the building and construction industry to operate as an essential service and work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns provided a great opportunity to deliver high-quality workmanship.

Regional Judge Charlie Baggetta was impressed by the Treendale Farm Hotel project.

“The judges were taken back by the professional projects that were delivered in the regions,” he said.

“Some were in quite remote areas where this possibly magnified the difficulty to build, but the results showcased the ability to bring the best out from all commercial builders.”

For the full list of winners, visit www.mbawa.com/awards.

Q&A with MBA Housing and Construction Director Jason Robertson

The Question

I’m in the process of getting my house built and I’ve just been informed that I need to apply for a verge permit, which has fees and charges attached.

This is all new to me, can you explain?

The Answer

This is something that is very confusing for many, as it does vary with both the requirements and the fees and charges. It certainly is not a one-size-fits-all model.

The verge is the area of land between your property boundary and the street or road.

This is also referred to as a nature strip or thoroughfare, however ‘verge’ is the most commonly used term.

A verge permit is granted by the relevant permit authority which, in most cases, is your local council.

Many councils will require a verge permit for the storage of building materials, a skip bin, vehicle access and for tree protection if there is an existing tree on the verge.

The permit will have conditions attached to it and the councils can, and do, enforce compliance with the conditions of the permit.

With the public often having access to verges in areas such as footpaths, which often run along your property boundary, safety is a primary focus.

It is important to know what conditions have been placed on the permit. Non-adherence or non-compliance can affect your building project.

If you are unsure of any aspect, speak to the professionals.

CONTACT Master Builders WA, 9476 9800, www.mbawa.com