April 7, 2016

A.G. Coombs Projects has been appointed by Project Manager, Accuraco, to deliver a mechanical plant upgrade to the GPT Group’s Parkmore Shopping Centre, in Melbourne’s south-east.

The lifecycle upgrade will see A.G. Coombs delivering design check, installation, commissioning and maintenance services to the shopping centre’s five plant rooms, all of which are located on the facility’s roof.

Works include the replacement of boilers, chillers, packaged units, and the heating and cooling coils within the existing Air Handling Units. There will also be a complete Building Management & Controls System (BMCS) upgrade for the entire site, with new equipment to be linked, existing equipment to be transferred over, and the BMCS itself to be commissioned to ensure that all systems operate together seamlessly, driving optimal operational efficiency and maximum tenant and shopper comfort.

A key challenge is in the seamless delivery of works to what is a fully functioning shopping centre. To minimise risk and lower potential disruption to the facility’s retailors and visitors alike, all crane lifts are being undertaken overnight when the centre is closed to the public. And to minimise downtime, the boilers have been replaced during the summer months, and the chillers are scheduled for replacement from May 2016 when, like the outdoor temperatures, the demand for cooling drops.

Across the project, A.G. Coombs will be drawing on the knowledge of its Servicing team, the site’s current maintenance services provider, to help ensure the best upgrade solution for all stakeholders.

Chris Bick, Director at Accuraco, said “We sought to appoint an experienced service provider who could safely deliver a lifecycle upgrade that will benefit the GPT Group and its Parkmore Shopping Centre for many years to come. We are impressed with the way in which A.G. Coombs is managing the complex logistics of this challenging project; the team is certainly delivering to expectation.”

The mechanical plant upgrade is due for completion later this year.

For more information on A.G. Coombs Projects’ building services capabilities, please contact us.