The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation
RPS has worked side-by-side with the Australian Federal Police (AFP)’s Infrastructure team to design and deliver the award-winning Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) in Fortitude Valley.
Challenge
Engaged to oversee design and delivery of a new ACCCE hub facility in Brisbane, RPS acted as lead project manager, design advisor, and contract administrator for the project, working closely with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and head contractor, Built.
A unique project, our team was tasked to ensure ACCCE personnel have the best possible environment from which to lead national and global efforts to recover victims from harm and prosecute offenders.
Solution
As project manager, RPS was responsible for a team of thirteen sub-consultants including the architect and interior designer, Australian Government Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) consultant, building services, structural, acoustic and fire engineers, hostile vehicle risk assessor and designer, traffic consultant, independent design review team and town planner.
Because scope requirements were largely unknown in the earliest phases of the project, a traditional Head Contract model was adopted, with scope definition undertaken on an ongoing basis throughout the design phase.
To assist in identifying issues ahead of time and managing budget effectively, RPS used an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) approach to appoint the same contractor for early building investigations, construction consultancy services/design peer review and early construction works.
All of this work was undertaken prior to the finalisation of the design, establishing consistency and ensuring minimal delays for the commencement of later work. Throughout this phase, our team’s focus was on identifying constraints, dependencies and presenting innovative options that would maximise project output under a compressed delivery timeframe.
State-of-the-art space for the ACCCE
With much political interest in the project and only 14 months to complete the fitout and move all agencies into their new shared, fit-for-purpose facility, our team drew on years of experience with complex government and defence initiatives to guide positive discussions and secure good outcomes.
As the project was undertaken in an existing commercial building which had undergone numerous fitouts, a key challenge was the lack of base building documentation. Working collaboratively with the AFP’s Infrastructure team and Built, we were able to resolve base building non-compliances and modify the base building elements to suit the project’s non-standard, specialist requirements.
A space that plays a critical role in keeping communities safe, the ACCCE commenced full operation on time in February 2020 and was delivered within the approved budget.
Designed with employees in mind
The design process involved a wide range of stakeholders and a rigorous review process was adopted to ensure the finished space truly reflected the culture and mission of ACCCE.
Features of the centre include a variety of workspaces designed for ad-hoc interactions and gatherings, high-tech working and presentation spaces and world-class facilities for the operational teams devoted to ending child exploitation.
With ACCCE employees having to engage with online materials that are graphic and distressing as part of their work, a key objective of the ACCCE project was to provide a positive and engaging workplace that helps employees to look after their physical and mental health, and provides a ‘circuit-breaker’ from daily tasks when necessary.
The project delivered this objective by incorporating:
A recreational roof terrace including an exercise zone.
End of trip facilities that enable staff to exercise at work and engage in active transport.
A large breakout space that acts as a key feature and encourages staff to interact away from their desks.
Maximum natural light via roof skylight and optimised floor planning.
Elements of nature via indoor planting throughout.
Numerous working location options including collaboration zones, breakout spaces, a lounge area, high table touch down zones and seating pods.
Our awards
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National Project of the Year, Project Management Achievement Awards 2020
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National Project Award, Project Management Achievement Awards 2020
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Queensland Project of the Year, Project Management Achievement Awards 2020
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Queensland Project Award, Project Management Achievement Awards 2020