This world-class communications centre, the largest emergency operations centre in the southern hemisphere, enables best practice strategic response and planning for daily emergencies and incidents and coordinated disaster management for the Queensland Government.

The building was centre of attention in the recent South East Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi as it became the broadcast facility for regular bulletins by State Premier Anna Bligh and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The 14,500 m2 building uses green technology throughout and the project is designed to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating. Sustainable features include full water recycling, rainwater harvesting, low-energy lighting and on-site power generation. Information and communication technology forms a major part of the project and is one of the key elements in it achieving “world class facility” status.

Napier and Blakeley provided full Quantity Surveying services throughout the design and construction of this $45 million development including cost planning, value management, bills of quantities and full post contract on behalf of the Department of Emergency Services. Building works commenced in July 2009 and were completed in December 2010.

Contact

Development Advisory & Quantity Surveying
Craig Smith – 03 9915 6300 – csmith@napierblakeley.com
Peter Hammond – 02 9299 1899 – phammond@napierblakeley.com
Paul Cosker – 07 3221 8255 – pcosker@napierblakeley.com

Transaction & Asset Advisory
Rob Howells – 03 9915 6300 – rhowells@napierblakeley.com
Alastair Walker – 02 9299 1899 – awalker@napierblakeley.com

Sustainable Property Solutions
Peter Frith – 03 9915 6300 – pfrith@napierblakeley.com

Property Depreciation & Insurance
John Mathew – 03 9915 6300 – jmathew@napierblakeley.com
Paul Mazoletti – 07 3221 8255 – pmazoletti@napierblakeley.com

For many years, building owners have subscribed exclusively to the theory, if it aint broke, don’t fix it. This however can be an expensive mistake.

It is important to acknowledge that a building is an asset. As such, it needs to be protected and maintained to ensure that its value is not eroded.

To retain and attract tenants, your asset must be presented in the best possible condition, which in turn will maintain or increase its value.

Napier & Blakeley Building Consulting Manager, Nigel Towse says that if building maintenance is ignored, it can have significant consequences.

“There is a common misconception that buildings have long lives and only deteriorate gradually. This may be true for the more robust forms of structure. However even these can deteriorate rapidly with structural failure, environmental issues, chemical attack or the ingress of moisture.”

The health and well being of tenants is paramount in any leased asset and is heavily linked to how the building is maintained. There are basic, statutory obligations that require regular maintenance to be carried out to this end. In particular, cleaning, testing, and checking etc, of fire systems, boilers, lifts and hoists.

“By planning and carrying out your maintenance efficiently, you can minimise your capital expenditure. This will ensure that your asset is safe, economical, efficient, environmentally friendly, and retains its value,” says Towse.