A government workplace refurbishment that transformed a regional facility into a contemporary, flexible hub for the NSW public sector.
Delivered by Intermain for Property and Development NSW, the 1,800 sqm Nowra Workplace Hub refurbishment revitalised a key regional government facility into a modern, inclusive workplace accommodating 250 employees across six departments and completed over 41 weeks under a GC21 contract.
The project consolidated employees from six government departments into a modern workplace environment aligned with the latest NSW Government workplace design standards. The redevelopment also preserved capacity for future expansion, enabling additional government agencies or private sector tenants to occupy the building as needs evolve.
Transforming the workplace experience for government employees
The refurbishment reimagined the workplace to better support the diverse needs of government employees through a mix of focused, collaborative and social spaces.
Key features included:
- 162 work points
- Focus rooms and quiet workspaces
- Collaboration and meeting areas
- Informal breakout zones
- Refreshed concierge and waiting areas
- New kitchens and amenities
- End-of-trip facilities
- EV charging infrastructure
- Acoustic enhancements
- Indigenous design elements throughout the workplace
The result is a welcoming, inclusive and highly functional environment that enables public servants to work more effectively while delivering essential services to the South Coast community.
Seamless delivery in a live environment
Maintaining building operations throughout construction was critical to the project’s success.
Intermain implemented a carefully staged delivery program that enabled occupants to continue using the facility while refurbishment works progressed. High-impact activities were undertaken after hours and on weekends to minimise disruption, while ongoing stakeholder engagement ensured continuity of operations.
The project also involved navigating complex technical challenges, including major HVAC upgrades, rooftop mechanical plant installation and previously undocumented building services that required switchboard replacements. Through proactive planning and coordination, these works were completed without impacting the overall programme.
Leading sustainable outcomes
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project, delivering measurable environmental benefits and supporting broader NSW Government sustainability objectives.
The completed workplace achieved:
- 4.0 Star Green Star Rating
- 5.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating
- 3 Star NABERS Water Rating
During construction, 1,368 tonnes of the 1,460 tonnes of generated material were recycled, achieving a 93% diversion rate from landfill and setting a strong benchmark for sustainable delivery within the NSW Government property portfolio.
Supporting the Regional Economy
Local subcontractors and suppliers played an important role in the project’s successful delivery, helping to create economic opportunities and support regional employment throughout construction.
The completed Nowra Workplace Hub provides a modern workplace that attracts and retains talent, supports flexible ways of working and enables government employees to continue delivering critical services to the growing Shoalhaven region.
Let us do the hard work for you.
From concept to completion, our integrated and highly experienced team manages every stage of the fitout, refurbishment and construction process, delivering exceptional outcomes for you and your project. Contact us today about your next project.
Client:
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW)
Sector:
Government
Services:
Refurbishment & Construction
Size:
1,800sqm+ workplace hub
The O’Keeffe Avenue property was first opened in the early 2000s and needs this upgrade to ensure our local public servants can work
in a high-quality collaborative setting to deliver their best work and services for the residents of the South Coast. I’m very pleased to see local contractors will be engaged to support the delivery of this project. It’s a great opportunity to boost regional jobs and ensure the benefits of this investment are felt across the community.” – Member for South Coast, Liza Butler