5 March 2019
One of Australia’s most successful engineering design groups, NDY, A Tetra Tech Com (NDY), known for their work on landmark projects across the globe, is now dedicating their time to support the development of a new youth refuge centre in Melbourne.
Through Property Industry Foundation (PIF), NDY engineers are donating their time pro-bono to the $8 million redevelopment of Melbourne City Missions’ Frontyard Youth Services at 19 King Street.
Frontyard, Victoria’s largest early intervention and crisis service for young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness, is being transformed into a 24/7 service. This has been made possible through an innovative partnership between Melbourne City Mission (MCM), the Victorian Government, and philanthropists including The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, and the property industry through the Property Industry Foundation.
The new facility will include new and expanded support services, including two floors of crisis accommodation for young people who are currently sleeping rough in the city and onsite mental health, drug and alcohol and disability expertise.
NDY Melbourne Director, Joseph Steele found out about this philanthropic venture by the property industry through discussions with Robert Pradolin from PIF.
A team of seven engineers at NDY is providing consulting services in Electrical, Communications, Security, Fire Engineering, Vertical Transport, Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) and Acoustics to this unique project.
Gabriel Lu, Senior Acoustic Consultant at NDY and NDY’s Project Leader says, “This project is an incredible opportunity for MCM and our team have worked tirelessly to ensure the space can support Frontyard’s important work for as long as possible.
“However, due to the unique nature of this project and working within an existing building, there has been a few challenges. One of these has been to ensure the building could support the new power requirements of the facility particularly due to its change of use and also its connection to a larger building which is housing other tenants. After a thorough investigative assessment by electrical contractors, NDY and authoritative bodies, the existing power provisions was confirmed to be adequate. All the contractors and consultants on this project are so passionate about supporting MCM and without hesitation come together to find smart solutions so we can all deliver this facility.
“This project resonated with me as Frontyard provides safe spaces for young people. I identify as a gay male and in the LGBT community many young people who come out can sometimes feel unsafe to go home. As an engineer and a supporter of these young people, it’s great to be able to help them,” he adds.
A large consortium of consultants and suppliers in the property industry through the property industry foundation are donating their services and resources to the Frontyard redevelopment. The pro-bono consultant team alongside NDY, include Fender Katsalidis, Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, Urbis, Wood & Grieve Engineers, Hendry, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, and Built. Suppliers who have generously donated materials to this project include Harvey Norman, Highbury Plumbing, Haydens Ceiling and Paritions, Signorino Tiles and Taubmans Paint.
About the Property Industry Foundation
The Property Industry Foundation is a forum and philanthropic focal point for the property and construction industry. Over the last 21 years, PIF’s corporate donors and thousands of people from across the industry have donated their time, skills and money to rebuild the lives of young people who do not have a safe and secure place to live.
For more information on Property Industry Foundation please visit https://www.pif.com.au
