That's a wrap!

It’s A Wrap!

Wow… what a year! BSE excitedly reflects on the outstanding year all offices have experienced and we enter the new financial year with inspiring projects being delivered.

The growth of BSE has resulted in two office moves. Our Melbourne office has more than doubled in size prompting our move to Melbourne’s Docklands and our Brisbane office has continued its strong growth moving to a new office location on Edward Street.

The highlight of the year for Sydney’s interiors and refurbishments team was the Domain.com fitout and the building and infrastructure team finalised the Bunnings Geraldton photo-voltaic integration.

In Brisbane, the team highlighted delivery of two fitouts in 480 Queen Street for Herbert Smith Freehills and Allens as great projects with spectacular outcomes.

Featured projects from our Melbourne team included 14-18 Mason Street Dandenong (building redevelopment) and a new head office for Repco.

Looking forward, BSE’s teams have commenced design on a variety of exciting projects.

In Sydney, projects to be delivered such as, Kiama Aged Care, Centre of Excellence and Rural Fire Service New Headquarters are being designed with innovation front of mind.

In Brisbane, Opal Springwood Aged Care Facility and Harris Communications Australia fitout.

Our Melbourne team, will deliver the Epping Plaza Southern Precinct, new Target Headquarters and Melbourne Disney fitout, to name just a few

During December BSE welcomed clients and business partners to an evening of Cocktails and Cars at North Sydney's Classic Throttle Shop. Guests were able to view impressive and beautiful cars, enjoy excellent hospitality and friendly networking. The event was a great success and we all enjoyed fantasising about leaving in the Aston Martin DB5!!

BSE has developed a talented team of individuals this year who have fostered a great team spirit which makes our offices a great place to work. We look forward to continued success in the coming months and years ahead

Pig'N'Whistle Redbank is Open for Business

BSE is proud to have been involved in the newest Pig’n’Whistle restaurant at Redbank Plains. The new venue was recently opened by the Mayor of Ipswich, Paul Pisasale in front of 150 distinguished guests including BSE Director Cameron Webb. It is the largest restaurant in the group of restaurants and provides a contemporary English pub feel. It covers over 1,000 sqm and features an outdoor dining area, bars, restaurant, gaming room, wood fired rotisserie and a Radar Hill Smoker.

BSE was commissioned to design the Electrical, Fire, Mechanical and Hydraulic services engineering.

BSE Director Cameron Webb commented “Continuing our relationship with Mantel Group is of paramount importance to our business. We value the strong working relationship we have developed over a number of years and we look forward to the next exciting project”.

BSE VIC Opens New Doors

BSE’s Melbourne office has a new home!

BSE's Melbourne team led by VIC State Manager Frank Cattafi, has developed a strong business since opening more than two years ago and due to continued growth, we need to move to a new location. 

Offering Melbourne based and national clients a full suite of services for interiors and new build projects, the success of the team is a major contributor to the continued growth of the BSE business nationally.

During May, the Melbourne team moved into their new space in Melbourne’s Docklands which offer fresh and flexible working spaces for designers and engineers and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Discussing the milestone, Frank Cattafi had this to say:

“The hard work and dedication of our team have made this move possible, with their support and exceptional project delivery, this office and BSE will continue to grow by partnering with clients to deliver innovative solutions.”

BSE VIC is now located at Suite 12.28, Level 12, 401 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008.

A new ‘Enclave’ in Brisbane

Enclave, Wynnum

BSE is pleased to have been appointed to provide a range of engineering services for Enclave at Wynnum which is an exciting new mixed use development in the heart of Wynnum, South East Queensland. BSE will deliver the project in conjunction with De Martini Fletcher (developer), Ridgemill (project manager) and Ellivo Architects.

On a site previously housing the BCC Wynnum Library, Enclave features 60 new dwellings across 3 buildings including 9 three storey town houses, a central building providing 26 apartments and a mixed-use building including strata retail, commercial offices and 25 residential units across 5 storeys.

In recent years, Wynnum has undergone significant urban renewal, including a $30 million redevelopment of the Manly Harbour, new $20 million Wynnum Shopping Centre and library.

BSE is providing mechanical, electrical fire protection and vertical transportation services for the new development situated to the east of Brisbane.

BSE’s Buildings and Infrastructure Leader Bruce Skipp commented “We are delighted to continue our great working relationship with the team delivering this architecturally stunning development. We look forward to contributing to a landmark development that will be considered iconic for years to come”.

Enclave, Wynnum

BSE hosting a 'flipping' good cause.

Volunteers from BSE’s Sydney office recently heated up their frying pans and flipped pancakes for a good cause.

February 28th, marked Pancake Day, UnitingCare’s annual fundraising event that encourages people in their local communities to support those who are doing it tough by creating their own pancake-flipping event in their home, work, school or community. Celebrating Pancake Day is a further commitment from BSE management and staff to improving the lives of those less fortunate in our community.

“Pancake Day is always a fun day in the community, but there are serious issues that underpin it. BSE is proud to support the work of UnitingCare and encourage everyone to get involved” said local UnitingCare Pancake Day coordinator Jessica Sims.

The reality is that 1 in 7 Australians are living in poverty and as poverty levels rise across Australia, it’s important that communities pull together to support those around them who need it most. Now in its 16th year, UnitingCare Pancake Day aimed to raise $100,000.

BSE appointed for the redevelopment of the historic Elizabeth Bay Marina

Elizabeth Bay Marina has existed for over 100 years and is a popular place for boaters, kayakers, residents and tourists visiting the area.

The NSW Government is upgrading the marina to improve its functionality, amenity and safety for water users and the local community. The existing structure is deteriorating and no longer meets current engineering and maritime safety standards and needs to be upgraded.

BSE is delivering the engineering services in conjunction with RMS and APP to provide a modern marina facility for the wider community.

Secondary Schools Program Rollout

This is an urban renewal program focused on making our public high schools better places. Specifically, the program improves how high schools present to and address their local communities.

The Department of Education (DoE) has identified a selection of high schools to be a part of this program of works. The aim of the program is to improve the physical environment and aesthetics of the schools by making facades and entrances more attractive and to improve way-finding and increase the visibility of education to the community.

BSE has been appointed by Designinc architects to assist in the delivery of services to a number of schools including Chester Hill High School, Birrong Girls High School, Liverpool Boys High School, Liverpool Girls High School and Elderslie High School. BSE’s services include Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic and Fire services.

BSE to Deliver Mission Australia Fit Out

Mission Australia is a non-denominational Christian community service organisation providing homelessness initiatives including affordable housing, early learning and youth services, family support and skills development. 

Mission Australia currently occupies Level 6-8 of 580 George Street in Sydney. The intention is to redevelop the current space and BSE have been appointed to deliver Electrical & Communications, Mechanical, Fire, Hydraulics and Security services for the project.

BSE Sydney Director Craig Slorach commented, “We are really pleased to be involved with this project. Our business is one that supports charitable organisations and we look forward to participating in designing an outcome that will add value to the many great services that Mission Australia provides” 

Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence

BSE has continued its focus on aged care and seniors living projects with our successful appointment on the $73 million development known as the Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence (KACOE). The new development will be built on the old Kiama hospital site where most of the existing buildings will be demolished. BSE is working in conjunction with Boffa Robertson Architects and APP and will provide mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fire engineering services for the project which is situated in the Kiama municipality and will be operated by Blue Haven Care. 

The ageing Kiama population is driving the need for additional aged care beds in the region.

The new development features a mix of residential aged care (RACF), independent living units (ILU) and assisted living units (ALU) with additional community facilities.

BSE National BDM Godfrey Frederick commented “This high profile project has been a fantastic win for BSE as it falls strategically in line with our desire to increase our presence within the aged care and seniors living sector in Australia”.

St Mark's Primary School

St. Mark's Catholic Primary School is located in the parish of Drummoyne, Sydney. BSE was recently appointed to the project entailing the removal of demountable buildings and the addition of new buildings to accommodate new classrooms and a new library.

BSE is working in conjunction with Thomson Adsett architects and is delivering mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire and acoustic engineering services on the project that aims to be a reference for primary schools design with creative and innovative solutions.

End of Year Office Closure

BSE's Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne offices will be closed from mid-day 23 December 2016, re-opening Monday 9 January 2017. 

From everyone at BSE, have a safe and happy holiday period. 

BSE appoints Associate Director

BSE is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Johnson as Associate Director – Buildings & Infrastructure in the Sydney office. Stuart has joined BSE from a large engineering consultancy and will drive the management and growth of the Buildings and Infrastructure team in Sydney.

Stuart is an experienced professional engineer with senior level experience within the construction industry and brings a wealth of project experience to the organisation.

Commenting on the appointment, Craig Slorach had this to say

““The appointment of Stuart strengthens our building and infrastructure team, offering a greater level of engineering input, with especially in the health sector”.”

— Craig Slorach, Director

Guests are treated to cocktails and cars

BSE holds client events to offer unique and engaging opportunities for our guests, clients and business partners. This year, BSE’s management team hosted a client function at North Sydney’s Classic Throttle Shop car showroom, set underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The heritage listed building houses some of the most immaculate, interesting and beautiful classic cars from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Our guests were able to mingle with the BSE team and enjoy an evening of great food, drinks and an appreciation of some of the finest classic cars.

Event photos are available here: 

Cocktails & Cars

BSE welcomed clients and business partners to an evening of cocktails and cars at North Sydney's Classic Throttle Shop. Guests were treated to interesting and beautiful cars, excellent food, drinks and friendly networking. 

Management Recognition in QLD

BSE has recently recognised the efforts of Bruce Skipp and Tim O’Regan in the BSE Brisbane office. Bruce and Tim manage the Building and Infrastructure and Fitout and Refurbishment teams (respectively), and have been promoted to Associates within the business. Both have showed great leadership in expanding and improving their teams and the recognition is testament to that.

Bruce Skipp, Buildings & Infrastructure Manager, Tim O'Regan, Interiors & Refurbishment Manager 

“As we embark on our business growth strategy, it is essential that we have hard working and talented senior team members like Bruce and Tim in our business. I am pleased how they have developed and they will play an important part in the development of our business. ”

— Cameron Webb (BSE QLD Director)

BSE appoints Senior Hydraulic Engineer

BSE is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Turner as a Senior Hydraulic and Fire Protection Engineer based in the BSE Brisbane office. Phil’s remit is to deliver hydraulic and fire services across projects primarily in Brisbane but also our Sydney and Melbourne offices.

Phil is an industry leader in hydraulic and fire services and has previously worked for a number of leading engineering businesses in Australia and New York. 

Osteo Technique Lab at Vic Uni

BSE recently provided all building services engineering for a project at Victoria University in Melbourne which included the creation of a new Osteo Technique learning space, with wash-up room and locker storage. The project totalled 270sqm on Level 5 of the building.

Happy as a Pig 'N' Whistle

Happy as a Pig ‘N’ Whistle  

Our BSE Queensland office is proud to have an association with Mantle Group including the Pig ‘N’ Whistle chain of restaurants. We have been commissioned to design the new Pig ’N’ Whistle at Redbank Plains which will be the seventh offering. As with our previous projects for Mantle Group, BSE is providing Electrical, Fire, Mechanical and Hydraulic services engineering. 

This latest venue will have an 850sqm inside and 500sqm outside area and will be located at Town Square in Redbank Plains. The development will also include a new Coles supermarket, Aldi, Target and 60 other specialty stores. The development is scheduled to open for business at the end of 2016.

BSE’s Interiors Group Leader in Queensland Tim O’Regan commented “Having worked with Mantle Group on previous projects, we have developed a clear understanding of the needs and requirements for the space. We have enjoyed helping to develop the concepts that are driving the growth of the brand in Queensland and beyond”.

Other Pig ‘N’ Whistle locations include Indooroopilly, Riverside, Queen Street Mall, Brunswick Street, King George Square and West End.

First of it's kind in Melbourne - VIC Roads

BSE has played a pinnacle role in the development and delivery of the new VicRoads’ service centre which recently opened in Melbourne.

The New VicRoads digital service centre located at 113 Exhibition Street is the first of its kind in the CBD and will assist customers through a range of traditional VicRoads transactions which are now also available online.

BSE was appointed to provide building services engineering for the design and delivery phases of the project which included combining two existing tenancies and some shared space.

The service centre is estimated to serve up to 800 Victorians daily

A touch of sparkle for the latest Quality Standard

The International Standards Organisation has recently released the updated ISO9001 as the “most effective… and relevant” refresh, adding a touch of sparkle to the world of quality management! 3 years in the making, the updates are the of hundreds of industry stakeholders, labs, academia, researchers, government and NGO’s all committed to bringing 9001 into the present. A response to the significant changes in technology, business diversity and global commerce, the standard recognises the greater prevelance of the services sector and how they deliver quality outcomes to industry.

BSE’s Sydney office recently undertook our scheduled quality system re-certification, and undertook the extra work to bring systems up to date from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015.

While certification bodies will allow companies up to 3 years to bring systems in-line with newly released standards and maintain certification, BSE’s leadership team identified the benefits to clients, project partners and operations in advancing as soon as possible.

BSE’s quality team reviewed the ISO 9001:2015 standard with a fine tooth comb and updated the quality management system and documentation accordingly. An internal training program was developed and rolled out to all Sydney team members, embracing the new standard and detailing how everyone contributes to meeting commitments. All participants were deemed competent in the QMS training.

The quality team have a comprehensive internal audit program and training platform which made the updates deemed necessary smooth to roll out across the business. 

Our team is confident that maintaining and embracing ISO 9001 certification will ensure we maintain our projects to the highest standard.   

More information is available directly from ISO: 
http://www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index/news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref2014

Engaging with the Ageing

Last week, members of the retirement industry gathered at the Property Council of Australia’s 2016 Retirement Forum in Sydney.

BSE was proud to sponsor this event which brings together operators, developers, financiers and consultants focused on delivering outstanding experiences to residents and users of facilities.

Images: Right center: BSE's Craig Slorach addressing the delegates. Bottom Row: Expert panel and discussion participants. 

Industry leaders delivered addresses on opportunities for improvement, the increasing importance of home care and optimal models and reform and deregulation of the market.

A panel discussion delved deeper into the details of aged care reform with panel members from across the industry.

The practical steps to recognising dementia in retirement villages and how to best deal with it was passionately discussed in the afternoon session, followed by the pivotal role of leadership in the industry.

Nadine Champion delivered an inspirational message of changing your life with 10 seconds of courage, which BSE’s own Godfrey Frederick was able to demonstrate on behalf of all attendees.

Images: Nadine Champion addressing the delegates and BSE's Godfrey Frederick showing his 10 seconds of courage. 

BSE thanks Impact Group for co-sponsoring the event and PCA for the hard work and dedication in producing such an outstanding event.